Job Location : Providence,RI, USA
Full-time experience at or above the Director level.
Division of Institutional Equity and Human Resources
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Dean of Student Financial Assistance and Scholarships
REPORTS TO: Vice President of Student Affairs
GRADE: BOE 17
SUPERVISION LIMITATION: Subject to renewal after annual review.
JOB SUMMARY
The Dean of Student Financial Assistance and Scholarships is a dynamic leader within the Student Affairs division, responsible for administering a complex and multifaceted student financial aid program. This program consists of grants, loans, scholarships, Rhode Island Promise, and student employment opportunities. The Dean provides leadership in establishing and interpreting financial aid policies while maintaining an environment of trust and respect. Additional responsibilities include policy and program development and evaluation, planning and budgeting, staff recruitment, development, supervision, and collaboration with various constituents.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Commitment to CCRI's Mission
Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college.
Work collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered environment with students of various learning styles, cultures, identities, and life experiences.
Continuously endeavor to provide prospective and current students access to postsecondary education while identifying and removing barriers that prevent initial and continued enrollment.
Partner with other college departments to develop and implement initiatives designed to close equity gaps in under-represented student populations.
Position-Specific Knowledge
Maintain thorough and current knowledge of all federal, state, institutional, and other regulations, policies, and guidelines.
Interpret policy and inform the financial aid team of changes resulting from new or current legislation.
Stay informed of best practices and emerging financial aid strategies in community colleges and higher education; recommend changes as appropriate.
Direct the development, review, evaluation, implementation, and coordination of all policies related to student financial assistance, scholarships, and student employment.
Prepare statistical reports and evaluate programs and services; prepare applications and fiscal reports on federal, state, institutional, and private student aid funds.
Oversee the review, verification, and timely awarding of student financial aid according to all federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Allocate financial aid resources and authorize the disbursement of funds; analyze, monitor, and report on the distribution of funds.
Ensure proper and timely grant reporting and disseminate reports to external and internal stakeholders.
Serve as the point of contact for auditors, compiling information as requested for their review.
Management and Leadership Skills
Recruit, train, supervise, support, evaluate, and mentor direct reports and other financial aid team members.
Oversee the daily operations and functions of the Financial Aid Department across CCRI campuses.
Collaborate across departments and among Student Affairs offices to improve the College's ability to serve students with intention and excellence.
Student Service
Lead by example and work relentlessly in service of CCRI's students.
Maximize available student financial resources, including scholarship opportunities through the CCRI Foundation.
Community Engagement
Be active in relevant professional associations.
Participate in College committees as assigned.
Technical Knowledge/Expertise
Ensure the efficient operation of the financial aid module of the Banner financial aid module and other technology products that relate to the delivery of financial aid.
Strive for continuous improvement and efficiency of the financial aid process for students and other stakeholders.
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT
This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree and a minimum of seven years of full-time experience in the administration of student financial aid services at an outcomes-driven postsecondary institution.
Financial aid experience must be progressively more responsible and include supervisory elements in a multi-campus environment and/or a community college.
Expert knowledge of federal regulations governing student assistance and need analysis required; participation in on-site audits and program reviews; direct experience completing the FISAP and other state/federal reports; expert knowledge of the Banner Ellucian financial aid product.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Full-time experience at or above the Director level.
Demonstrated leadership in a collective bargaining environment.
Effective communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to providing student-centered services in a college setting.
Strong problem-solving abilities and willingness to promote good public relations by interfacing with College faculty, staff, students, and other constituencies.
Excellent student service skills.
Self-initiating individual with effective management, organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of and experience with designing, implementing, and/or refining student information systems