Director of Financial Aid/Asst. Dean of Enrollment Services

Ferris State University
Job Description
Position Title: Director of Financial Aid/Asst. Dean of Enrollment Services
Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:

61300 - Financial Aid

Advertised Salary: $85,000 - $89,700 Salary commensurate with education, experiences, and other requirements.
Benefits:

Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans

FLSA: Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:  Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time
Union Group: N/A
Term of Position: 12 Month
At Will/Just Cause: At Will
Summary of Position: Provide leadership in day-to-day financial aid functions, focusing on electronic processes used in awarding and disbursing federal, state and institutional aid. The Assistant Dean/Director is responsible for effective administration of federal, state and institutional programs, including monitoring of awards, and reconciliation. Responsibilities include assistance in daily operations, planning and assessment, data analysis, and public speaking. The Assistant Dean/Director will possess expert knowledge of financial aid policy, processes, and procedures and provide financial aid counseling to a diverse population of constituents regarding the application process, aid eligibility, and available financial options. Also supports Student Enrollment activities in all locations of the University.
Position Type: Staff
Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Required Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years of recent progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
Required Licenses and Certifications:  
Physical Demands:
  • Office Environment
  • Moving
  • Reaching
  • Sitting
  • Twisting
  • Driving
  • Pulling/Pushing
  • Repetitive movement
  • Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Master’s Degree.
Banner experience preferred. Ideal candidate will be well versed in federal and state aid regulations and also with the set-up and maintenance of a relational financial aid management system.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Determination of financial aid budgets and award philosophy

Prepare Institutional fund forecasting

Responsible for Fiscal Operations Reporting (FISAP) and Auditor requests

Return of Title IV funds processing and student withdrawal process

Primary DPA – Data Point Administrator for FSA access and data security
Work closely with financial aid leveraging team to coordinate student outreach and develop fund management philosophies.

Serve on FAO leadership team and enrollment management team and consult on institutional aid program eligibility, making recommendations toward achieving desired student enrollment goals.

Build and maintain relationships with peer institutions.

Provide high-level office leadership to appropriately manage workloads, to provide training and cross-training.

Regulatory/compliance determinations and policy development

Represent Financial Aid at internal and external events.

Contribute to short- and long-term planning that anticipates upcoming office needs and regulatory changes and ensures effective and efficient utilization of electronic resources.

Serve as Banner system manager; direct processing through banner systems for all financial aid programs.

Actively seek out and engage in training and professional development opportunities designed to maintain in-depth familiarity and understanding of the FSA handbook.

Leverage NASFAA membership and its available resources to remain familiar with current and future regulatory changes, trends, and best practices and disseminate information to office staff through effective communication and training.

Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.

Operates university motorized vehicles in a safe manner while performing job duties.

Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Required to work some evenings and/or weekends during peak times.
Skills and Abilities: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and departments across the institution as well as external contracts.

Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and meet deadlines.

Possess and maintain current, thorough knowledge of all aspects of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and operations.

Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion.

 
Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript 1
Optional Documents:  
Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY: Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately. Harris Search Associates is assisting Ferris State University for this search. Please contact Eric Christ, Senior Consultant (eric@HarrisSearch.com, cell: 614-800-9974) for further details. Phone: 614-798-8500.
Initial Application Review Date: January 6, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes
Posting Close Date:  
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
Contact Information