Student Financial Aid Director

The University of Missouri invites nominations and applications for the position of Student Financial Aid Director to plan and direct the personnel, financial and operational activities of the Office of Student Financial Aid.

About the University
Founded in 1839, The University of Missouri (MU) is considered one of the nation’s top-tier institutions. Mizzou has a reputation of excellence in teaching and research and is the flagship campus of the four-campus University of Missouri System. It is one of only 34 public universities, and the only public institution in Missouri to be selected for membership in the Association of American Universities. MU has 19 schools and colleges and offers more than 280 degree programs which provides a top education. It has a diverse enrollment with 33,000 students from every county in Missouri, every state in the nation and 115 countries. Money magazine, Men's Journal, MSN.com and others have all called Columbia, Mo., one of America’s best places to live because of its excellent quality of life.

About the Position
The University of Missouri is currently seeking a Student Financial Aid Director to plan and direct the personnel, financial and operational activities of the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Director reports to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and is responsible for the overall administration of all financial aid programs.

Detailed Description
• Lead the professional staff in the planning and implementation of student financial aid activities. Ensure all aid programs are administered in accordance with federal, state, NCAA and institutional rules and regulations.
• Approve and account for all federal, state, third party and institutional financial aid awards (totaling in excess of $300 million).
• Supervise the preparation of numerous financial aid reports that detail the expenditure of all aid funds on an annual and ad hoc basis.
• Supervise the preparation and approve expenditures for the department as well as for the institutionally funded scholarship budget ($44 million annually) and endowed scholarships ($3.2 million for which Financial Aid has responsibility).
• Examine current scholarship policy to ensure it represents enrollment management priorities and, when necessary, propose new scholarships or related initiatives to help achieve enrollment goals.
• Represent the University on federal, state, and NCAA committees as well as to the press on financial aid related issues and questions.
• Recruit, interview, hire, coach, evaluate and discipline staff.
• Serve on campus committees as directed.

Required Qualifications
• Master’s degree
Five to eight years’ experience in student financial aid with increased levels and areas of responsibility including, but not limited to, managing one or more functional units with experience in financial aid office operations (e.g., customer service, outreach, application processing, verification, Direct Loan administration, state and federal grant program administration, reporting and systems).
Extensive knowledge of enrollment management functional areas and experience with enrollment
• management issues
• Extensive knowledge of national financial aid policy and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage professional and support staff
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and to collaborate across organizational lines
• Dedication to the SFA, Enrollment Management and institutional goals

Knowledge and Skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving knowledge and skills in such areas as research design, statistical analysis, trend analysis, student tracking, assessment, resource allocation, and decision support
• Working knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines
• Strong oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills including
public speaking, experience with government and media relations, and experience in representing organizations to external agencies, regulators, and community groups.

Applicants should apply online at: http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/staff/index.php and should include a letter of application, resume and names of five professional references. Job ID# 6908.

Confidential nominations may be addressed to MUEnrollMgmnt@missouri.edu, Subject: SFA Director Search Committee Chair.