Position Title:
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Advertised Salary:
$65,000-$67,000. Salary commensurate with education, experiences, and other requirements.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
Temporary/Continuing:
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Term of Position:
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
Just Cause
Summary of Position:
Maintain expert knowledge concerning the regulatory governance of institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs, with an ability to convey complex financial aid concepts to a diverse constituency.
Work with Financial Aid team and other stakeholders to ensure compliance requirements are effectively managed.
Research, develop and manage policies and processes designed to ensure the effective distribution of financial resources, leveraging efficiencies that minimize underutilization of funds, and maximize student recruitment, retention, and success.
Troubleshoot difficult awarding scenarios and provide equitable alternatives and solutions, including approving fund exception requests or additional funding requests with budget oversight.
Provide leadership, support, and coordination with the director (and other constituents) to expedite an array of critical processes / activities ensuring the effective management of Financial Aid operations.
Required Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Required Work Experience:
Financial Aid experience in a higher education setting.
Experience working with Ellucian Banner software.
Experience with expediting complex Financial Aid initiatives that includes analysis and reporting of financial information.
Experience communicating effectively with a diverse constituency.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Repetitive movement
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Master's Degree
Supervisory Experience
Progressively responsible experience in a Financial Aid environment
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Assist with oversight and management of Financial Aid compliance related activities.
Maintain knowledge of financial aid programs, current and changing federal and state regulations with emphasis on interpreting and implementing requirements.
Communicate complex financial aid regulations effectively to a diverse constituency.
Assist with management of the financial aid packaging and awarding processes under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid.
Develop and update critical processes, policies, and procedures relative to new and existing financial aid programs, as well as, the implementation of these processes, including staff training, review, and assessment of outcomes to ensure program compliance.
Utilize financial aid expertise to propose, implement, oversee, and disseminate processes and policies that govern the distribution of aid to appropriate audiences.
Participate in/facilitate, and manage, strategic planning, program oversight and implementation, information exchange with state and federal agencies governing financial aid programs, such as; Michigan Scholarships and Grants portal (MiSSG) for the Michigan Tuition Incentive Program, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, the Michigan Future Educators Fellowship, and more.
Perform regular audits that may include; State and Federal aid programs to ensure that the University policies, processes, and aid distribution complies with regulatory governance, institutional aid processes and distribution.
Leverage NASFAA membership, FSA Handbook and other available resources to remain current and aware of future regulatory changes, trends, and best practices and disseminate information to office staff through effective communication and training.
Provide professional guidance on all aspects of financial aid, determining financial need and student eligibility for the issuance of all forms of aid.
Participate in mission-critical recruitment and retention efforts including the coordination of written financial aid materials.
Train, direct and supervise work of others within the Financial Aid Office as determined by the Director of Financial Aid with an emphasis on excellent customer service.
Provide effective financial aid counseling to students and parents as needed.
Present financial aid information programs, both on-and-off-campus, including evening and weekend presentations (e.g., recruiting events, financial aid nights, and orientation).
Participate in/facilitate, and manage intradepartmental initiatives with key strategic partners across campus as needed.
Ability to oversee, reconcile and manage large accounts, ensuring that funds are distributed in accordance with all institutional, state, and federal regulations.
Implement and manage university-wide systems, such as; the donor scholarship application portal or financial aid web page.
Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Maintains confidentiality of sensitive records and information in accordance with FERPA.
Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid.
May be required to work some evenings and / or weekends.
Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Abilities:
Ability to effectively interpret, respond to, and communicate regarding compliance requirements.
Ability to design, implement, and support processes to facilitate Financial Aid efforts.
Ability to navigate / leverage technical systems and software applications to achieve goals.
Demonstrated commitment, experience, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to convey an appropriate amount of information to a diverse constituency of students, faculty, staff, executive leadership, and community members in a professional manner.
Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills and mathematical accuracy to a wide variety of financial situations and manage multiple deadlines effectively.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and work collaboratively with diverse constituents.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded.
Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:
May 5, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
EEO Statement:
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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