Senior Analyst: Financial Aid Analyst And Enrollment Strategy - (2400001N)

Senior Analyst: Financial Aid Analyst and Enrollment Strategy - (2400001N)

Job Summary 

Towson University (TU) is one of the nation’s top 100 public universities. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls more than 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University values diversity and fosters a climate that is grounded in respect and inclusion to cultivate the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.

The pivotal role of the Senior Analyst, Financial Aidand Enrollment Strategy, extends to shaping and implementing Towson University's strategic enrollment plan. This encompasses delivering essential analytics and insights to formulate impactful awarding strategies, influencing both new and ongoing student enrollment. Additionally, the role involves overseeing responsibilities related to market assessment to optimize Financial Aid processes, championing data-informed decision-making, and achieving our enrollment objectives. The Senior Analyst will report directly to the Director of Institutional Research and collaborate closely with the Division of Enrollment Management (DEM), operating under the guidance of the Vice President.

Responsibilities and Duties

Financial Aid Analysis and Optimization

• Analyze Financial Aid data to assess its effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in award distribution.
• Collaborate with the Financial Aid team to optimize aid packaging strategies.
• Identify trends and patterns in Financial Aid allocation and recommend adjustments when necessary.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement.

Predictive Modeling

• Develop, manage, and maintain predictive enrollment models to improve the accuracy of targets for undergraduate applications, contracts, and Enrollments.
• Use predictive modeling techniques to forecast enrollment trends and assess the impact of potential changes in admissions and Financial Aid practices and policies.

Enrollment Strategy

• Be an integral part of the Enrollment participating in data analysis and strategy development.
• Work closely with campus partners outside of DEM. Examples include Office of Institutional Research, Office of Technology Services, and Administration and Finance. 
• Provide data-driven insights to support decision-making related to admissions, Financial Aid, and Enrollment.
• Support various university committees with research projects related enrollment funnel conversion rates (yield, retention, graduation, etc.).

Data Analysis

• Utilize complex data sets and statistical methods to analyze admissions, enrollment, retention, and Financial Aid trends.
• Collect, organize, and analyze admissions and Enrollment data to monitor progress towards enrollment targets.
• Develop and maintain admissions and Financial Aid dashboards and reports for senior leadership.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of admissions and Financial Aid data.
• Stay informed about regulatory changes and compliance requirements related to Financial Aid.

Compliance Reporting and Data Collections

• Prepare mandated state and federal Financial Aid and admissions data collections. Examples include: IPEDS Student Financial Aid Collection, MHEC Application Information System (AIS), IPEDS Admissions collection, and MHEC Financial Aid Information System (FAIS), and Common Data Set (CDS).
• Remain up to date on relevant standards and ensure that TU’s submissions are compliant and accurate.
• Resolve any feedback from consistency and error checks.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations on admissions and Financial Aid trends for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Communicate data-driven recommendations clearly and effectively.

Other duties

• Stay current with industry best practices, benchmarks, and trends in Financial Aidand Enrollment management.
• Collaborate with various departments including admissions, finance, and academic departments to align admissions, enrollment, and Financial Aid strategies.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives related to Financial Aid, admissions, and Enrollment planning as assigned.

Telework may be available for this position up to two days per week following the completion of 90 days of service in good standing. 

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Statistics, Economics, Education, Business).
• Five years of relevant experience in Financial Aid analysis, enrollment planning, or a related area in higher education.
• Proficiency with software to extract data from enterprise systems and join data sets for analysis. Examples include SQL, SAS, and JMP.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, such as Excel, Tableau, or similar software.
• Experience with predictive modeling and statistical analysis.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Familiarity with student information systems and Enrollment management software.
• Demonstrated ability to assess, strategize and operationalize with a data-driven/ data-informed approach.
• Demonstrated success in supporting and nurturing a diverse student body.
• Experience with promoting and/or supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Higher Education.
• Understanding of emerging best practices in strategic enrollment management.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential records and information.

Preferred:

• Graduate degree in a related field (e.g., Statistics, Economics, Education, Business).
• Proficiency in coding or writing computer scripts (e.g., SAS, SQL, Python, R, etc.).
• Experience with Base SAS.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions.
• Knowledge of Financial Aid policies, regulations, and compliance in higher education.
• Experience preparing and submitting data collections to state and federal agencies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Demonstrated dynamic leadership. 
• Ability to think strategically and multi-dimensionally.
• Commitment to quality.
• Strong writing, editing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to create and manage change.

To apply: https://towson.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2400001N

Salary and Benefits 

Targeted Hiring Range is $85,000-$93,000 and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 15 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, please click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.

If you are motivated, innovative and team-oriented, we would love to hear from you.
For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application. 
This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days.

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors has been our top priority and the focus of every one of our decisions since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the University System of Maryland (USM) has strongly encouraged full COVID vaccination and up-to-date booster shots (when eligible) for all faculty, staff, and students at all schools in the USM as both a reasonable and necessary means of protecting our health and safety.