Job Title

Assistant Director for Scholarships

Agency

Texas A&M University - Commerce

Department

Financial Aid

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the “My Experience” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)” to upload required documents.

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.
• Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document, instead please email HR for help.

Please provide the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance of verbal offer).
  If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective staff member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

If you need assistance, please contact us at HR.Hiring@tamuc.edu

SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director for Scholarships, under general direction, oversees the administration and processing of institutional, need-based, and donor-funded scholarship programs. The Assistant Director for Scholarships implements and maintains scholarship policies, processes, and procedures, as well as supervises scholarship staff and as a team works together to serve students in the application, selection, and renewal of awarded scholarships. The Assistant Director for Scholarships works to maintain a work environment that requires a high level of customer service, student advocacy, and financial literacy. Building and maintaining effective professional relationships among campus stakeholders is critical to the role.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain an environment of consistent improvement by identifying barriers and measuring scholarship application conversion and renewal rates.
• Manage scholarship allocations, waivers, and calculations by maintaining knowledge of scholarship eligibility, renewal criteria, and accuracy of scholarship award disbursements for audit purposes.
• Responsible for managing the effective import and export of data, and scholarship account information between the student information system and the scholarship award management system.
• Build and implement a yearly calendar for targeted scholarship outreach events and programs, which may include some evenings, weekends, and travel.
• Create effective training modules for scholarship committee members to meet established awarding deadlines and disbursement cycles.
• Oversees with the Financial Aid Advisor for Athletics to monitor student-athlete financial aid limits, and compliance with NCAA rules and regulations, including the recording of data in athletic compliance software.
• Perform and plan effective marketing and outreach strategies aimed to increase applicants to apply for donor-funded scholarship opportunities.
• Collaborate with the offices of Financial Services and Philanthropy and Engagement in reporting for the yearly financial status of award opportunities, endowment reports, return of outside scholarships, and the annual calendar for the awarding cycle.
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses and conferences, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Director of Financial Aid.
• Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Enrollment Management and the University by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience / Knowledge / Skills: 3 years of related experience at a college or university in the office of Financial and Scholarships with supervisory experience is required. A proven track record for making data-driven decisions to support continuous improvements related to core business processes is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required with experience working in a prioritized customer service environment. Highly effective organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work independently are required. Experience working with enterprise-level software systems, as well as database systems such as Ellucian’s Banner, PeopleSoft, or some other type of database product utilized by institutions of higher learning is required. Knowledge of spreadsheets, database applications, use of a CRM, and office applications software- preferably Microsoft Office, is required. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop positive relationships with prospective students and their families is required.

• Ability to: Ability to travel to high school and community college scholarship programs and other visits throughout Texas is required. Ability to work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends. Occasional overnight travel and evening and weekend work are required.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: Valid driver’s license.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Other Requirements: Demonstrated ability in team building, leadership, supervision, management, selection, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, within the context of a college or university financial aid and scholarship office is required. A demonstrated understanding of the importance of building and maintaining open communication with college partners, school counselors, and community college stakeholders is required. A working knowledge of marketing principles, best practices, and techniques relevant to student financial aid is required. Must be in good standing on any Federal student loans.
  

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

A Master’s degree is preferred. Experience utilizing innovative technology in support of scholarship management is preferred.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

Student Workers, Coordinators, Financial Aid Advisors, and Graduate Assistants.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.