Position Overview

More than perhaps any other factor, the degree to which a university attracts and retains qualified students determines the success or failure of that institution. The Enrollment Management division is a key player in this activity and has a profound effect on the institution s success. The division is committed to developing a data-driven, forward-looking, comprehensive enrollment strategy that enables the institution to pursue strategic goals in an informed, integrated and intentional manner. The division is similarly committed to collaborating with campus partners to develop and implement retention and graduation strategies while leveraging resources to execute these strategies.

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the Assistant Vice Provost / Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships oversees the administration of financial aid from all sources to all KU populations, including undergraduate, graduate, law and medical students. Overseeing a staff of 24 and administering annual financial aid expenditures in excess of $275 million, the Director is expected to develop and execute a comprehensive financial aid strategy designed to maximize aid resources available and ensure the achievement of university enrollment goals. This includes oversight of functions related to financial management, counseling and outreach, client service, compliance and data systems and reporting. The Director also serves as the campus authority on federal, state, and institutional aid programs and is a participant in the University's strategic enrollment management planning.


Job Description

50% Strategic Leadership

• Serves as the University's Chief Financial Aid Officer, providing oversight of financial aid policies and procedures for both the KU Lawrence (KULC) and KU Medical Center (KUMC) governed campuses. Acts as a liaison with state and federal regulatory agencies and represents the University to those agencies. Oversees federal Title IV and Title XII funds management for all campuses.
• Provides leadership and direction to staff involved in all financial aid operations; including processing, awarding, scholarship administration and financial aid advising services for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
• Oversees Lawrence based financial aid activities in the area of information dissemination to students, prospective students, parents, high school counselors, and other agencies and groups regarding need-based, merit-based, grant and loan availability and application processes in print, web, individual and group sessions. Also oversees counseling on cost of attendance, money management, student debt, and loan repayment.
• Serves as the foremost expert and authority on federal, state and institutional aid programs and advises enrollment management and university leadership on best practices as well as how changes in the financial aid landscape impact the university and its enrollment management effort
• Regularly and systematically assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of KU financial aid policies and practices and makes appropriate adjustments in an effort to be responsive to market forces, university goals and student needs
• Oversees the re-engineering of business processes and implementation of new systems to create efficiencies to enhance stewardship of funds and delivery to students, increase collaboration and communication and/or simplify and clarify procedures.
• Reviews structure and practices of financial aid and scholarship office to determine where there may be opportunities to improve business processes, simplify/clarify procedures, redeploy staff, etc. in an effort to enhance collaboration, communication, service and effectiveness
• Develops and executes research-based and data-informed aid strategies designed to fully utilize and maximize institutional resources as well as federal, state and private funds in support of university enrollment goals.
• Demonstrates knowledge of extensive financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements for federal, state, and university programs including a considerable body of authorizing legislation and regulations which direct the awarding of funds to students. Responsible for compliance with all federal and state financial aid related laws and regulations, NCAA by-laws related to financial aid and private donor rules and restrictions.
• Supports the acquisition, implementation and maximization of systems, tools, and technology designed to secure the university's preferred enrollment future
• Analyzes quantitative data to shape the strategic direction of the unit.
• Manages and deploys resources, including unrestricted endowment and institutional financial aid, to support recruitment, retention and completion efforts
• Serves as a member of the Division of Enrollment Management leadership team and assists in divisional strategic goal setting and establishing metrics associated with Student Financial Aid's short and long-term plans.

25% Strategic Partnerships

• Collaborates with EM units, as well as Comptroller, Student Account Services, Athletics, Student Affairs, Information Technology, General Counsel, Provost's Office, Institutional Research and Planning, and many other campus and community colleagues to maintain University's enrollment goals and ensure compliant delivery of aid to students as well as compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Ensure institutional compliance with rules, regulations, and academic policies of the University, NCAA, and Big XII or other athletic organizations or associations as they relate to financial aid and athletic scholarships.
• Direct the development of technological improvements, particularly in the campus Student Information System (SIS), regarding enhancements and maintenance of web-based student financial services as well as guide exploration of federally approved non-standard term aid delivery within the SIS.
• Act as a consultant to deans, directors, staff, and faculty throughout campus in matters relating to student financial aid. Advise and counsel KU staff on all aspects of financial aid/financial aid policy
• Oversight of all federal financial aid reporting, audits and program participation agreement updates and recertification applications for both campuses and of state and institutional aid programs at the Lawrence governed instructional sites.
• Guides outreach activities, publicity of FAS programs, and technology support, including web sites, related documents and materials, and staff training and education.

15% Training and Professional Development

• Oversees the leadership, direction, motivation, and training for staff. Establishes goals, policies and standards. Ensures policies and standards at all campuses are consistent with each campus' goals and mission.
• Sets an office tone of progressive quality service in a harmonious office environment, particularly with prospective students and parents whose first encounter with the institution may be with staff in this area.
• Develops training and professional development opportunities designed to grow and strengthen staff
• Orchestrates talent development and related human resource activities within the unit.

10% Budget and Fiscal Management

• Administers and oversees the fiscal operations, including the operating budget and any associated fee income and private funds.
• Establishes fiscal guidelines to sustain a sound financial status.
• Manages budgetary, personnel, and administrative operations to effectively provide services to all KU student financial aid applicants.

5% Other related duties

• Assumes other responsibilities as designated by the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree or higher and five years of related experience

Seven years' supervisory experience of full-time staff.

Five years of progressive leadership responsibility.

Previous experience with regulatory compliance matters concerning all financial aid functions, including institutional, federal, state, NCAA and outside agency requirements

Prior experience with federal financial aid programs and familiarity with how different state aid programs work.

Strong written communication skills as evidenced by the application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Seven years' experience in financial aid administration at the associate director level or higher with a  proven track record of exemplary leadership through innovation and student and parent customer service at a large complex institution.

An appreciation for, and an understanding of, the role of technology and social media in financial aid and enrollment management as evidenced by the application materials.

Strong verbal skills, superior strategic thinking and planning skills, excellent management skills, and the ability to work well with teams as evidenced by the application materials.

An interpersonal style that is highly collaborative and collegial as evidenced by the application materials.

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