A.T. Still University (ATSU) is actively seeking an exempt Director, Student Financial Aid on the Kirksville, Missouri campus. As a member of Enrollment Services, the Director will oversee the Higher Education Act (HEA) and U.S. Department of Education Title IV administration including federal loans and Work-Study programs, and interpret federal financial aid policies, regulatory changes, and processes. This oversight encompasses 7 ATSU schools, 3 campuses, over 30 programs, and approximately 3900 students and requires knowledge of HLC and programmatic accreditation requirements.

Major Job Duties

As a member of the Enrollment Services leadership team, works to build relationships and partnerships with Information Technology Services (ITS) including Chief Information Security Office (CISO), ATSU program personnel, ATSU staff, outside agencies, and vendors. Develop the annual Cost of Attendance (COA) for each ATSU program iteration and cohort using national and local data as well as ATSU Dean and program-provided feedback in preparation for Assistant Vice Chancellor-Enrollment Services and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs approval. Leads the student survey process every three years to ensure the Title IV Cost of Attendance (COA) is accurate and meets the needs of ATSU students. Oversees and helps the Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid-Enrollment Services troubleshoot file transfers and communications with the U.S. Department of Education and ATSU’s Finance Office. Responsible for the administration of financial aid packaging with over 3000 student financial aid offers annually in compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations. Responsible for Direct Loan reconciliation of over $170M annually, aid transfers, and returns to lenders in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and ATSU’s Finance Office. Performs Return to Title IV (RT24) calculations. Requires regulatory knowledge of U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and all VA Benefit types. Oversees the internal ($1M annually) and external (more than $9M annually) scholarship awarding in partnership with University Advancement, Sponsored Programs, the Finance Office, and the scholarship system vendor. Oversees requirements for federal master promissory notes and federal entrance and exit financial aid counseling. Maintains oversight of the Federal Work-Study program and coordination of the ATSU FWS job fair in partnership with ATSU’s Office of Student Life and Human Resources. Oversees ATSU Short-Term Advances. Manages the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) in partnership with the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Participates and leads the Enrollment Services Professional Judgment Committee as a voting member, providing guidance and research to assist the committee with program compliance. Chairs the Student Scholarship Committee providing support and guidance to the committee members who are tasked with reviewing over 4,000 scholarships applications annually, and provides support to the FA Specialist as they manage the process. Chairs the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Committee providing support and education to students on SAP Suspension. Educates the SAP committee members about the U.S. Department of Education’s academic requirements for students to maintain federal student aid eligibility and their role in that process. In partnership with the Director Student Support-Enrollment Services, oversees the Enrollment Services internal Financial Aid Advising team. Collaborates with the Assistant Director Student Financial Aid-Enrollment Services with Student Information System (SIS) financial aid (FA) configuration, ATSU Portal communication tools, FA Good to Go Checklist, and all of Enrollment Services for the development and continued improvement of the student financial aid experience. As a system partner and administrator, coordinates and tests all upgrades to the SIS financial aid module in collaboration with the Enrollment Services leadership team, including delegation of testing to appropriate end users within Enrollment Services as needed. In partnership with Student Affairs and the Enrollment Services leadership team, responsible for maintaining compliance regarding regulated content on the ATSU website (such as the Consumer Disclosures section), the Enrollment Services public web pages, the internal Enrollment Services Faculty/Staff Support Site, the ATSU University Catalog, the Enrollment Services section of the ATSU Student Handbook, the Enrollment Services Policies and Procedures Manual, the Enrollment Services Communication Plan, etc. Assists the Assistant Vice Chancellor-Enrollment Services and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs with regulatory updates to the appropriate University teams. It also provides relevant support to the Vice President for Student Affairs and General Counsel, ITS, Cybersecurity, and ATSU program representatives as requested. Presents and provides support to the Director Student Support-Enrollment Services, Assistant Director Student Support-Enrollment Services, and Admissions teams as they prepare incoming and returning students with financial aid information. Prepares data annually for the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) for submission to the U.S. Department of Education (focus on Federal Work-Study reporting) in partnership with the ATSU Finance Office. Oversees University and external financial aid data requests and data analysis (i.e., the ATSU Quick Facts web page, internal and external survey, annual Enrollment Services data, surveys, or research support). Participates in ongoing, required training and has oversight for direct/indirect reports in the following areas: federal financial aid programs, academic records, FERPA, internal office professional development, and annual ATSU Required Employee Education (REE). Provides data and responds to questions and requests for more information from internal and external auditors. Knowledge of ATSU Red Flag policies is required. Responsible for hiring, training, and management in areas related to Financial Aid functions. Counsels and oversees financial literacy and debt management efforts including student presentations in partnership with the Director-Enrollment Services. Assists with policy development. Travels to professional conferences and ATSU campuses to present and/or train outside partners, ATSU faculty, and ATSU staff.

Education/Experience

College plus postgraduate. Master's degree preferred. 3-5 years experience preferred. Background in higher education with experience preferred. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Whether it be students, faculty, and staff, you treat them with respect and patience. Representing the University professionally to internal and external constituents. Must be able to identify initiatives that will enhance services and promote high-quality services thinking strategically to connect the dots between opportunities and available resources/capabilities. Strong technical skill. Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Skills

Knowledge of ATSU, academic programs, and higher education administration. Supervision and team development preferred. Experience with project management. Prior experience is helpful in an academic department, financial aid, registrar's office, or ITS. Experience implementing and maintaining policies and procedures in accordance with industry best practices, and regulatory and compliance issues related to the Title IV administration.

Special Characteristics

Skilled in making oral and written presentations through various media to provide information, and instructions, and explain subjects of interest. Strong analytical skills to research and analyze service offerings and make improvement recommendations with a focus on quality, taking pride in everything you deliver as a reflection of yourself. Possess a growth mindset and be very comfortable giving and taking direct feedback and constructive criticism. Perform at an exceptional level in high-pressure situations. Skilled in creating a work environment where new ideas are solicited, evaluated, and implemented. Ability to develop positive relationships/partnerships.

Work Location

Telecommute.

ES has a proven track record of providing high quality services to students regardless of location. Performance metrics can be monitored via dashboard. The telecommuting model allows for personal face-to-face/Zoom connections with the team and provides the protected time needed to effectively produce the project work required of the position. All Enrollment Services staff are trained on the importance of cyber-security and on ATSU tools & policies to maintain the highest level of security.

ATSU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverages, among more. If eligible, employee-elected benefits would begin the first of the month following hire date. For more information, please visit: atsu.edu/employment/benefits.

A.T. Still University (ATSU) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.