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Director of Financial Aid

L7

palo alto universityPalo Alto, CA18 days ago
Director of Financial AidThe Office of Financial Aid is integral to Palo Alto University's mission to support diverse students and their families with specialized knowledge and counseling, guidance and insights regarding financial aid application processes and award offers, financing options, and overall student financial and advising/support services. Reporting to the Consulting Associate Vice President for Student Success, the Director of Financial Aid leads the Office of Financial Aid team and is responsible for oversight and management of all aspects of financial aid for PAU.The Director provides high-level oversight, supervision, and guidance to manage programs, systems, and fiscal management activities in accordance with all applicable federal, state, private, institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines. The Director supervises and manages the application process for all financial aid, the awarding process, disbursement to student accounts, and communication with all scholarship recipients. The Director will serve as a primary point of contact for problem resolution, data analysis, system utilization, financial account monitoring, and compliance. The ideal Director of Financial Aid will be student-centered, collaborative, intellectually curious, and solution-seeking. Successful candidates will have an outstanding working knowledge of financial aid. Experience with PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar is highly preferred. A bachelor's degree is required for this position, while a master's degree is preferred. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bachelor's degree required with at least 7 years of progressive experience working in Financial Aid in a higher education environment with both undergraduate and graduate students. Master's degree in higher education or related field preferred
Minimum experience: 7 years in Higher Education Financial Aid; 5 years of supervisory experience; substantial experience in financial aid counseling, packaging award offers, budgeting and financial aid accounting, reporting processes and financial aid computer systems, and extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations; demonstrated track record of strategic thinking and a focus on student success preferred Excellent leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a complex and evolving environment Collaborative leadership style that encourages new ideas, embraces the knowledge and experience of others, and promotes trust and transparency Demonstrated proactive, strategic, analytical, and deadline-oriented approach to financial aid and university systems Highly developed analytic, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen thoughtfully and be responsive to a diverse population of constituents and the ability to collaborate with other individuals and teams A broad understanding of higher education processes and procedures, including shared governance, strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget management Experience adhering to federal and state laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to financial aid and ensuring compliance Excellent presentation and public speaking skills; experience presenting to diverse audiences and at conferences a plus Excellent budget preparation and management skills Proficient in the use of general financial aid specific software such as: EdConnect, COD, CPS, NSLDS, etc. Expert in Microsoft Office Suite and financial aid/higher education management software programs; Jenzabar and PowerFAIDS preferred Expert knowledge of Federal and State financial aid policies and resources Excellent ability to consistently display accuracy and attention to detail Excellent ability to communicate effectively one-to-one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, coupled with the ability to inspire and motivate Excellent organizational and time management skills Available to work evenings and weekends when needed; one day per week in-office may be required Demonstrated compassion, patience, respect, and comfort toward human diversity with cross multi-generational cultural awareness and sensitivity Capacity to maintain discretion around sensitive and confidential information Membership and active engagement in appropriate financial aid organizations, such as NASFAA and CASFAAQualified candidates for the Director of Financial Aid should apply with a: Current resume Professional writing sample Cover letter describing qualifications for and interest in the position. PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population. In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience has prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values. The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer- related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.
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Level

ManagerL7

Location

Palo Alto, CA

Occupation

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Industry

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Posted

18 days ago

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