Director, Office of Financial Aid - Daily Progress : Job Details

Director, Office of Financial AidDepartment Summary:

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Bridgewater's Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping students cover the costs of a college education. The mission of the Financial Aid Office is to assist students and their families in affording the cost of a college education. This is accomplished through the awarding of grants, loans, and student work programs and by providing students and families with a supportive and comfortable environment where counselors are willing to work with students in obtaining the funds needed to attend BSU.

Position Summary:

The Director of Financial Aid will report directly to the Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Assistance and Enrollment Management. The Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leadership of managing the effective development and delivery of programs and services to students and families who apply for or receive financial assistance. The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for and administers a complex and multifaceted student financial aid program consisting of grants, loans, and scholarships for students. The Director provides leadership in establishing and interpreting financial aid policies. The Director will lead an experienced staff that oversee the application, awarding and delivery of $92 million dollars in federal, state, private and institutional funds.

A strong relationship between the Office of Financial Aid, the AVP of Student Financial Assistance and Enrollment Management in addition to the Offices of Admission, Registrar, Student Accounts, Student Success and Diversity is essential in achieving institutional goals to support student success.

Supervision Received: Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Assistance & Enrollment ManagementSupervision Exercised: Financial Aid Department

This position is located on campus in Bridgewater, MA. This position is eligible for hybrid / remote work in accordance with BSU remote work policy.

This is a full-time, 12-month APA position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement.

Position Type: APA ProfessionalEssential Duties:

Lead the Office of Financial Aid, both in its strategic direction and its complex daily operations with exceptional leadership and supervisory skills.

Oversee a comprehensive financial aid program which meets the demonstrated needs of Bridgewater State University's students. Administer directly and indirectly all Federal, State and Institutional financial aid programs, including continuous program assessment.

Oversee financial aid and needs assessment process to ensure students are properly funded, packaged, and prepared to start each semester.

Manage the expenditure of all Federal, State and institutional financial aid funds, including the federal work study which is administered in the Human Resources area.

Provide strategic direction and oversight of all department activities to develop and achieve annual goals, including budgeting and planning. Manage a department operating budget as well as direct management of approximately $16 million in institutional funds including work study funding.

Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that actively supports and counsels prospective and current students and their families. Develop and oversee an effective communication plan to assist students and families in progressing through the financial aid process.

Maximize Financial Aid's role in recruiting and retention by developing and implementing student centered, inclusive financial aid awarding guidelines, policies and procedures with a focus on awareness, access, effectiveness and exceptional service to current and prospective families.

Ensure the Financial Aid office procedures both comply with University, State and Federal (Title IV) policy and regulations, and adhere to effective, efficient processing that complies with the Department of Education's standards while providing support for decision making, policy recommendations and administrative improvements. Including resolution of Title IV compliance exception reports.

Successfully implement and monitor all federal and state financial aid regulations and policies, as well as institutional policies, resulting in exception-free financial aid audits and program reviews. Possess the ability to clearly articulate and communicate the regulations and policies to a variety of audiences.

Oversee reporting to internal and external constituencies including federal/state governments and professional organizations. Ensure accurate and timely submission of all required financial aid reports.

Effectively communicate financial aid and scholarship data to a variety of constituencies across the University with a focus on data driven decision-making.

Develop collaborative partnerships with Student Affairs and Enrollment Management departments and departments across the University to enhance relationships and leverage service to students and families.

Responsible for the hiring of knowledgeable and talented staff. Provide ongoing mentoring and training to team members regarding current policies, regulations and changes within the field. Create a work environment that focuses on innovation, enhanced technology and practices to deliver a student-centered philosophy.

Initiate and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the Financial Aid office with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with critical inter-divisional partners.

Conduct financial aid information sessions and outreach to students, families, and campus and community groups and oversee student financial literacy outreach and programming.

Participate in state, regional and national professional associations in order to remain connected to best practices in financial aid and scholarships.

Participate actively in university committee work and campus events.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree
• Five years or more full-time experience in financial aid directly related to financial aid counseling, eligibility determination, needs analysis, verification and packaging along with supervisory experience.
• Experience working with and advocating for all students including first generation students, low income students, students of color, and commuter students for need based aid.
• Expert knowledge of federal legislation and regulations governing student assistance and need analysis.
• Effective use of data when making decisions and assessing effectiveness of programs and/or services.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations of students, families, faculty, staff and the public using tact and courtesy in sometimes challenging situations.
• Demonstrated leadership, budget management, program development and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative teams, staff development and working relationships with internal and external groups.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts, ideas and issues to a broad range of campus constituents.
• Knowledge about both Federal and State Student Financial Aid programs, and Governmental Accounting. Knowledge of Financial Aid rules, processes, policies, and procedures in higher education. Knowledge of FERPA regulations and confidentiality procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent service and a focus on student success with a track record of data-driven creative problem-solving, team-building, process redesign, and innovation.
• Up-to-date knowledge of best practices and current issues in the administration of financial aid.
• Proficient skills with Banner or another relational database, or grant and loan management software.
• Possess a sophisticated understanding of the applications of technology in administering financial aid and take a lead role in the advancement of technology in an effort to streamline processes and increase efficiencies.
• A sense of humor, respect for others, and ability to be a team player, as well as developing effective teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with BANNER preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of financial aid and scholarship awarding practices.
• Experience in the public sector of higher education preferred.
• Commitment to excellence and innovation, and an appreciation for the role of technology in achieving those standards.
• Ability to implement successful training programs and service delivery models.
• Ability to interpret qualitative and statistical data for problem solving, decision-making, and forecasting.
• A record of participation in national professional associations and support for others to do so.

Work Environment:

Bridgewater State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employee with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please complete and submit this electronic form:

Special Conditions for Eligibility:

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Salary Range: $95,000-$110,000Posting Number: S01145POpen Date: 10/07/2024Close Date: 11/10/2024Open Until Filled: NoSpecial Instructions to Applicants:

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:* A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.* Resume/CV* Cover Letter* Equity and Inclusion Statement - a personal statement on a candidate's past efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss scholarship, professional skills, and demonstrable experience that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.

To apply, visit

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer which actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

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