Rank:  Administrator VI
Search Number: S24-017
Job Posted: June 27, 2024

Southern Connecticut State University is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus wide commitment to social justice.  Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 9,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is located in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, and less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.

The Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships is responsible for planning and leading a critical student service unit and managing the daily operations of a fast-paced, customer-service oriented team. The Director will provide the vision and leadership to inspire, motivate, coach and mentor professional and clerical staff to reach the University’s enrollment goals while continually monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and regulatory compliance of financial aid policies, practices and procedures.  

Position Responsibilities

Directs the selection, training, coaching, daily work performance, supervision, professional development and performance evaluation of professional, clerical and student employees.

Oversees all aspects of processing undergraduate and graduate student aid, awarding grants and scholarships and determining loan program eligibility for institutional, state and federal funds and programs, including SCSU Foundation scholarship administration. The Director coordinates services among various campus units, including Admissions, academic administration, Athletics, Student Accounts, the Controller’s Office, Registrar, Alumni Relations and the Foundation. 

Works closely with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to conduct analyses, develop allocation models, determine budgets and strategies for financial aid resources in support of University recruitment, retention and net revenue management goals. 

Develops policies and procedures in accordance with federal and state regulations, and University policies, and engages in regular communication and training to stay current on these regulations and policies. Advises campus partners and leadership of implications of regulatory changes and proactively works to adapt and train the department as needed.  

Assures data integrity, manages departmental budget, and collects and disseminates data for federal, state and institutional audits and reports.  

Works closely with Admissions staff and community partners to enhance access and understanding of financial aid processes and resources for prospective and current students and their families, with particular attention to the goal of equity and inclusion in access to affordable higher education.

Develops communication for students and families across a variety of channels to engage and support access, understanding and completion of the financial aid process. Provides timely, accurate and proactive information and notifications throughout the awarding cycle.

Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position. 

Qualifications

Masters degree and minimum of six years of progressively responsible financial aid leadership in higher education.
Experience with staff motivation, supervision, training, and employee relations (experience with staff in collective bargaining units preferred.) Excellent interpersonal communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills, as well as demonstrated ability to work with a diverse, multicultural student population and workforce. Leadership experience and skills in establishing and developing partnerships internally and externally. Experience with policy formulation and regulatory compliance related to federal and state financial aid programs. Preferred: Experience using Banner SIS. These qualifications may be waived for individuals with appropriate alternate experience.

Application

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter of application, resume, and contact information for three professional references to em@southernct.edu by July 26, 2024. The position will remain open until filled. 

     
Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.