What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Financial Aid Systems - Operations position at Colorado Mesa University?
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Title (Function): Manager of Financial Aid Systems - Operations
Department: Financial Aid
Reporting To: Assistant Director of Financial Aid - Scholarships and Special Programs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $50,000.00-$55,700.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date: 01/31/2025
Close Date: 02/23/2025 11:59 PM MST
SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND
CULTURE
At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors, and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others.
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill.
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities.
Humility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others.
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges, and pursuing opportunities.
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown.
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others.
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill.
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities.
Humility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others.
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges, and pursuing opportunities.
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown.
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals.
SECTION II - THE SEAT
At
CMU, we look at every seat as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in
the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable
and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching
partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a
human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats”
in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities
are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding
the seats.
Overview and Scope of Team and/or
Tasks
The Manager of Financial Aid Systems serves as a key liaison between the Financial Aid department, technology, and campus users. Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, this position oversees the development, maintenance, and support of technology systems that streamline financial aid processes. This includes managing federal processing systems and systems integration, supporting staff with software and systems troubleshooting, and driving improvements based on data analysis to enhance financial aid workflows. The Manager also collaborates with the Associate Director to plan and execute annual projects and process improvements that align with the university’s goals.
The Manager of Financial Aid Systems serves as a key liaison between the Financial Aid department, technology, and campus users. Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, this position oversees the development, maintenance, and support of technology systems that streamline financial aid processes. This includes managing federal processing systems and systems integration, supporting staff with software and systems troubleshooting, and driving improvements based on data analysis to enhance financial aid workflows. The Manager also collaborates with the Associate Director to plan and execute annual projects and process improvements that align with the university’s goals.
Key tasks include:
Oversight and Development of Departmental Processes:
- Manage and oversee the financial aid department’s technology systems, including database management, project management, and troubleshooting.
- Support training for staff on system changes and software implications for financial aid processes.
- Ensure system upgrades and patches to systems like Banner do not disrupt financial aid processes, advising staff and campus departments of updates and implications.
- Support various financial aid systems, such as Banner, Xtender, and SoftDocs, ensuring alignment with departmental needs and federal regulations.
Management of Financial Aid Programs and Functions:
- Lead the administration of satisfactory academic progress processes, ensuring federal Title IV compliance.
- Oversee the electronic financial aid data load process, including downloading/uploading application data, resolving discrepancies, and maintaining applicant records in Banner.
- Monitor and reconcile federal funds, including Pell Grants, FWS, and FSEOG, ensuring timely reporting and accurate system balances.
Data, Analytics, and Process Improvement:
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement by analyzing and implementing data-driven process improvements.
- Generate statistical reports and use data to make decisions that optimize financial aid processes.
- Collaborate with campus departments and upper management to develop and monitor process improvement initiatives.
Customer Service and Culture:
- Provide high-level customer service by independently handling routine inquiries and resolving complaints.
- Counsel students, families, faculty, and staff on financial aid matters, ensuring clear communication and timely resolutions.
- Support CMU’s one-stop services (IRIS) and participate in financial aid outreach to the community.
- Keep current on federal financial aid regulations and ensure compliance with all processes, including packaging, awarding, and disbursements.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- The Manager of
Financial Aid Systems will supervise and mentor student workers, ensuring
proper training, task management, and performance evaluations. As well as contributing
to strategic departmental decisions and assisting in the development of
policies and procedures.
Accountability to Results
The Manager of Financial Aid Systems is accountable for:
- Maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Financial Aid department’s systems.
- Timely resolution of system issues.
- Accuracy of data processing.
- Implementation of process improvements.
- Quality of customer service provided to students and other stakeholders.
SECTION III - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
At CMU, we seek individuals who are the "Right
Fit" for the position. The "Right Fit" embraces our culture,
demonstrates our values, and understands the requirements of the seat. We
desire individuals who are passionate about their work, committed to
contributing to a larger vision, and possess the capability to succeed as
collaborative team members.
Capacity Requirements
Skills & Knowledge:
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of federal financial aid processes and systems, including compliance with Title IV regulations.
- Proficiency in database management, project management, and troubleshooting financial aid systems.
- Expertise in data analysis and process improvement methodologies.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with financial aid management systems (e.g., Banner, Cognos).
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Excellent communication skills, capable of working with diverse campus departments, students, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to train and provide guidance to staff and stakeholders on financial aid systems and processes.
- Ability to deliver presentations and training materials to both internal and external audiences.
- Essential Experience for Right Fit
- Education & Experience:
- An earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution is required.
- At least 1 year of experience in systems management, database administration, or a similar field, including SQL report development. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
- Proven experience with process improvement in a technical or administrative context.
- Preferred: Previous experience in a higher education financial aid environment.
Core Skills:
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks governing financial aid.
- Preferred: Experience with Banner or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Preferred: Experience with COGNOS or similar data analytics tools.
- Preferred: Familiarity eith JavaScript and SQL.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER: This seat description is only a summary of the typical functions of this role and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.
ABOUT
COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa
University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art
campus. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its
main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical
college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 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 will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports 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 will not 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, rafting, and 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 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 the type of accommodation needed.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 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 will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports 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 will not 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, rafting, and 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 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 the type of accommodation needed.
Salary : $50,000 - $55,700
