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Assistant Director of Systems Management, Financial Aid
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: The Assistant Director ofFinancial Aid Systems is the primary technology and software systems manager for the Financial Aid department. This position's primary responsibility will be the oversight of development and maintenance of processes, troubleshooting process challenges, and systems support for Financial Aid staff, students, and the campus community. The primary responsibilities of this position are the training of staff and students on new process developments, support communications, building reports in COGNOS, and Systems Management and support of federal processes. This position leads the team in tracking and analyzing performance data and statistics to make continuous process improvements to automate Financial Aid processes. Finally, this position works with the Director ofFinancial Aid to determine annual project initiatives and process improvements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversight and Development of Departmental Processes
• Primary technology and software systems manager for the Financial Aid team to include successfully overseeing the database management, project management, technology functions, troubleshooting, support, and training of staff on the impact of software in their areas.
• Supervises the implementation of new products and services in Financial Aid software and electronic media to provide effective delivery of Financial Aid. Ensures that new upgrades or patches to Banner and other electronic enhancements with other departments does not adversely affect the Financial Aid processes. Oversees the electronic process of Financial Aid delivery to include coordination of repairs, functionality of system and updating of software and hardware.
• Advise the Financial Aid Director, other relevant members of this department and other departments of Banner upgrades and patches, as well as any ramifications of the implementation and non-implementation of the upgrades.
• Oversight of Financial Aid systems including Banner, Slate, ARMS, Blackbaud Award Management, document imaging such as Xtender, e-forms, federal systems and future systems as they are initiated such as the development and management of the utilization of SoftDocs.
• Responsible for the annual building of the Banner Financial Aid components and the awarding modules as well as the ongoing management of them. Utilized professional judgement in the evaluation of new Financial Aid regulations and implements changes within the system accordingly.
• Works with the Financial Aid Director on annual budget and reconciliation of the annual budgets for Financial Aid awarding.
• Responsible for the creation and coordinating of the LHH Tech Team. Participate in Banner User Group, Slate Implementation Team, and other groups as applicable or assigned.
• Oversees the maintenance and development of the Financial Aid website.
Oversight and Management of Financial Aid Processes
• Oversees Financial Aid satisfactory academic progress. This includes the maintenance and development of the process of identifying students, as well as the notification of status of probation, warning, and ineligibility to ensure compliance with federal Title IV regulations.
• Oversight of the process of federal Financial Aid application data load process, including downloading and uploading electronic application and correction records from the federal processor, uploading records to the Banner Financial Aid system, batch posting data requirements to applicant records, resolving data discrepancies, coordinating letter generation and maintaining the database. Troubleshooting at any point during the process for any members of the Financial Aid staff, students, and their families.
• Manages and is responsible for the monitoring all federal funds, balancing FWS, FSEOG, and Pell Grant, and reconciliation of FSEOG program and Pell Grant program. This includes verifying balances with the Department of Education COD system, at least monthly reconciliation of the program, and annual zero balance reporting. This also includes the reconciliation of all federal (FWS, Direct Loan, FSEOG, Pell Grant) programs with Accounts Receivable and the G5 system.
Data, Analytics and Process Improvement
• Promoting a culture of continuous process improvement. Assisting the Financial Aid team in evaluating, implementing, and tracking effectiveness of process improvements. This to include the evaluation and analysis of all electronic processes for the Financial Aid office.
• Providing Financial Aid data from Banner for the Director's review, other members of the department, and other entities on campus utilizing SQL, Banner, and Cognos. In providing data: the creation and execution of SQL queries, Cognos reports, and other data sources for quality assurance statistics and other reporting needs of the department.
• Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of federal processing functions. Makes recommendations for, determines best solution, and implements process improvements.
• Creates statistical reports for analysis of effectiveness of processes. Utilizes data and statistical reporting for decision making and improvements.
• Creates, updates, and presents reports to upper management regarding the effectiveness and status of federal processing functions.
• Works in coordination with Director ofFinancial Aid, as well as, pertinent campus departments to determine annual project initiatives and process improvements.
Customer Service and Culture
• Responsible for providing a high level of customer service while handling matters of significance within the Office of Financial Aid. Using independent judgement and maintaining a professional demeanor in handling routine questions, complaints and resolution of issues.
• Support of IRIS, CMU's one-stop, including counseling, advising, and supporting staff and students.
• Counsels students, families, faculty and staff regarding Financial Aid.
• Resolves problems by clarifying the customer's complaint; determining the cause of the problem; selecting and explaining the best solution to solve the problem; expediting correction or adjustment; following up to ensure resolution.
• Provide a quality experience with all customer service interactions.
• Works in coordination with campus departments for annual planning. Communicates relevant information with appropriate campus departments. While working closely with other departments to ensure a quality student experience, to share information, and aid in the overall communications to the student.
• Understands, keeps current, monitors changes, and interprets guidance of Federal Financial Aid rules and regulations.
• Ensures compliance to all Federal Financial Aid rules and regulations are adhered to, including: Packaging, Awarding, Overawards, Return to Title IV, Direct Lending, Disbursements, Verifications, etc.
• Gives presentations about Financial Aid to high schools, campus community, and other interested groups.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and autonomously within job responsibilities, while also collaborating with several diverse teams.
• Demonstrate ability to analyze a process and policy (institutional and others), make recommendations, and lead the implementation of process and policy improvements.
• The practice of empathy, community building, civility, recognition and exceptional customer service are key components of this position.
Supervisory and Management Responsibilities
• The Assistant Director ofFinancial Aid Systems is responsible for the supervision of the Financial Aid Functional Analyst and the Financial Aid Student Intern Program. The Assistant Director carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with established policies and procedures and applicable law. Responsibilities include interviewing, evaluation, hiring, training student-employees, planning, assigning tasks and directing workflow, appraising performance, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Supervision of other student-workers, as appropriate.
• Provides guidance on issues concerning policy and procedures within team.
• Conducts task analysis and process reviews to ensure efficient and strategic operations within team.
• Provides input, participates, and makes recommendations in strategic departmental decision making and planning.
• Leads team through change management by providing positive support to staff and colleagues.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
• An earned Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• 2 year experience in database and/or Systems Management, including development of SQL and/or reports are required.
• 1 year experience in process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, diplomatically and professionally.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience with Banner or other integrated information system is preferred.
• Experience with COGNOS is preferred
• Experience working in higher education Financial Aid is desired.
Salary: $55,000.00 - 62,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Colorado Mesa University
Employment Type: Administrative
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 12/1/2023.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: Lindsey Campbell, lcampbell@coloradomesa.edu
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus located in Grand Junction. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its community college, Western Colorado Community College and via online offerings. Founded in 1925, it's a dynamic university enrolling more than 11,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they'll encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that support students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you won't have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. In addition to a mountain resort that's less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed.
Assistant Director of Systems Management, Financial Aid
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: The Assistant Director ofFinancial Aid Systems is the primary technology and software systems manager for the Financial Aid department. This position's primary responsibility will be the oversight of development and maintenance of processes, troubleshooting process challenges, and systems support for Financial Aid staff, students, and the campus community. The primary responsibilities of this position are the training of staff and students on new process developments, support communications, building reports in COGNOS, and Systems Management and support of federal processes. This position leads the team in tracking and analyzing performance data and statistics to make continuous process improvements to automate Financial Aid processes. Finally, this position works with the Director ofFinancial Aid to determine annual project initiatives and process improvements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversight and Development of Departmental Processes
• Primary technology and software systems manager for the Financial Aid team to include successfully overseeing the database management, project management, technology functions, troubleshooting, support, and training of staff on the impact of software in their areas.
• Supervises the implementation of new products and services in Financial Aid software and electronic media to provide effective delivery of Financial Aid. Ensures that new upgrades or patches to Banner and other electronic enhancements with other departments does not adversely affect the Financial Aid processes. Oversees the electronic process of Financial Aid delivery to include coordination of repairs, functionality of system and updating of software and hardware.
• Advise the Financial Aid Director, other relevant members of this department and other departments of Banner upgrades and patches, as well as any ramifications of the implementation and non-implementation of the upgrades.
• Oversight of Financial Aid systems including Banner, Slate, ARMS, Blackbaud Award Management, document imaging such as Xtender, e-forms, federal systems and future systems as they are initiated such as the development and management of the utilization of SoftDocs.
• Responsible for the annual building of the Banner Financial Aid components and the awarding modules as well as the ongoing management of them. Utilized professional judgement in the evaluation of new Financial Aid regulations and implements changes within the system accordingly.
• Works with the Financial Aid Director on annual budget and reconciliation of the annual budgets for Financial Aid awarding.
• Responsible for the creation and coordinating of the LHH Tech Team. Participate in Banner User Group, Slate Implementation Team, and other groups as applicable or assigned.
• Oversees the maintenance and development of the Financial Aid website.
Oversight and Management of Financial Aid Processes
• Oversees Financial Aid satisfactory academic progress. This includes the maintenance and development of the process of identifying students, as well as the notification of status of probation, warning, and ineligibility to ensure compliance with federal Title IV regulations.
• Oversight of the process of federal Financial Aid application data load process, including downloading and uploading electronic application and correction records from the federal processor, uploading records to the Banner Financial Aid system, batch posting data requirements to applicant records, resolving data discrepancies, coordinating letter generation and maintaining the database. Troubleshooting at any point during the process for any members of the Financial Aid staff, students, and their families.
• Manages and is responsible for the monitoring all federal funds, balancing FWS, FSEOG, and Pell Grant, and reconciliation of FSEOG program and Pell Grant program. This includes verifying balances with the Department of Education COD system, at least monthly reconciliation of the program, and annual zero balance reporting. This also includes the reconciliation of all federal (FWS, Direct Loan, FSEOG, Pell Grant) programs with Accounts Receivable and the G5 system.
Data, Analytics and Process Improvement
• Promoting a culture of continuous process improvement. Assisting the Financial Aid team in evaluating, implementing, and tracking effectiveness of process improvements. This to include the evaluation and analysis of all electronic processes for the Financial Aid office.
• Providing Financial Aid data from Banner for the Director's review, other members of the department, and other entities on campus utilizing SQL, Banner, and Cognos. In providing data: the creation and execution of SQL queries, Cognos reports, and other data sources for quality assurance statistics and other reporting needs of the department.
• Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of federal processing functions. Makes recommendations for, determines best solution, and implements process improvements.
• Creates statistical reports for analysis of effectiveness of processes. Utilizes data and statistical reporting for decision making and improvements.
• Creates, updates, and presents reports to upper management regarding the effectiveness and status of federal processing functions.
• Works in coordination with Director ofFinancial Aid, as well as, pertinent campus departments to determine annual project initiatives and process improvements.
Customer Service and Culture
• Responsible for providing a high level of customer service while handling matters of significance within the Office of Financial Aid. Using independent judgement and maintaining a professional demeanor in handling routine questions, complaints and resolution of issues.
• Support of IRIS, CMU's one-stop, including counseling, advising, and supporting staff and students.
• Counsels students, families, faculty and staff regarding Financial Aid.
• Resolves problems by clarifying the customer's complaint; determining the cause of the problem; selecting and explaining the best solution to solve the problem; expediting correction or adjustment; following up to ensure resolution.
• Provide a quality experience with all customer service interactions.
• Works in coordination with campus departments for annual planning. Communicates relevant information with appropriate campus departments. While working closely with other departments to ensure a quality student experience, to share information, and aid in the overall communications to the student.
• Understands, keeps current, monitors changes, and interprets guidance of Federal Financial Aid rules and regulations.
• Ensures compliance to all Federal Financial Aid rules and regulations are adhered to, including: Packaging, Awarding, Overawards, Return to Title IV, Direct Lending, Disbursements, Verifications, etc.
• Gives presentations about Financial Aid to high schools, campus community, and other interested groups.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and autonomously within job responsibilities, while also collaborating with several diverse teams.
• Demonstrate ability to analyze a process and policy (institutional and others), make recommendations, and lead the implementation of process and policy improvements.
• The practice of empathy, community building, civility, recognition and exceptional customer service are key components of this position.
Supervisory and Management Responsibilities
• The Assistant Director ofFinancial Aid Systems is responsible for the supervision of the Financial Aid Functional Analyst and the Financial Aid Student Intern Program. The Assistant Director carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with established policies and procedures and applicable law. Responsibilities include interviewing, evaluation, hiring, training student-employees, planning, assigning tasks and directing workflow, appraising performance, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Supervision of other student-workers, as appropriate.
• Provides guidance on issues concerning policy and procedures within team.
• Conducts task analysis and process reviews to ensure efficient and strategic operations within team.
• Provides input, participates, and makes recommendations in strategic departmental decision making and planning.
• Leads team through change management by providing positive support to staff and colleagues.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
• An earned Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• 2 year experience in database and/or Systems Management, including development of SQL and/or reports are required.
• 1 year experience in process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, diplomatically and professionally.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience with Banner or other integrated information system is preferred.
• Experience with COGNOS is preferred
• Experience working in higher education Financial Aid is desired.
Salary: $55,000.00 - 62,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Colorado Mesa University
Employment Type: Administrative
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 12/1/2023.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: Lindsey Campbell, lcampbell@coloradomesa.edu
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus located in Grand Junction. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its community college, Western Colorado Community College and via online offerings. Founded in 1925, it's a dynamic university enrolling more than 11,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they'll encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that support students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you won't have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. In addition to a mountain resort that's less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed.
