Director of Student Financial Services

Job Title: Director, Student Financial Services

Queens University of Charlotte is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Student Financial Services to lead our team in providing exceptional financial aid services to our students.

Job Summary:

The Director of Student Financial Services will be responsible for overseeing the overall leadership and supervision of our Student Financial Services department. This includes directing staff in implementing, awarding, and monitoring federal, state, and university financial aid programs. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of promoting collaborative decision-making processes and working with diverse populations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directs staff in implementing, awarding, and monitoring federal, state, and university financial aid programs.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and training to staff on student service excellence.
• Responsible for strategic administration and coordination of all institutional aid.
• Analyzes and reports on financial aid trends, sharing regularly with the VPEMM and senior leaders.
• Tracks and reports on financial services trends in higher education.
• Develops short- and long-term strategic goals for financial aid that align with university strategies.
• Ensures students and parents receive accurate, helpful, and timely information regarding financial plans/eligibility.
• Ensures all students (new, re-entry, and continuing) are aware of their financial obligations to the university as well as financial resources available to them.
• Researches and develops additional financial aid resources.
• Ensures audit compliance for all programs.
• Reviews new federal and/or state aid programs and establishes and maintains the infrastructure required to deliver these programs to eligible students.
• Ensures all aid is paid in a timely basis and in compliance with regulating agencies.
• Reconciles federal and state scholarships and loans with outside agencies and the finance office.
• Ensures ongoing maintenance and coordination of computerized financial aid management systems.
• Collaborates with all enrollment services offices to establish office procedures and records to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and quality of service to students.
• Prepares required federal, state, and institutional reports and department budget.
• Administers federal and state programs within established regulations and guidelines.
• Represents the university with external constituencies such as federal and state government agencies, professional organizations, and high schools.
• Oversees current student accounts and billing.

Qualifications:

• Five years or more experience in higher education enrollment management, financial aid services, or related field with at least three (3) years progressively responsible experience in a leadership/supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in technology including database management, Microsoft Office, reporting software (PowerFAIDS preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in promoting collaborative decision-making processes and working with diverse populations.
• Proven ability to convey complex technical information and policy issues in a concise, easily understood manner to a wide range of constituencies.
• In-depth, current knowledge of principles, practices, methodology, and procedures for the provision of student financial aid and the ability to apply that knowledge to ensure goals are met.
• Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly build and maintain rapport with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Superior organizational and problem-resolution skills, including exceptional project management skills and a reputation for delivering results on time and within budget.
• Strong computer software (MS Office) skills as well as expertise with student financial aid software programs such as PowerFAIDS.
• Strong customer service and/or student advocacy skills as demonstrated by a positive attitude of approachability and adaptability.
• Ability to create an inclusive environment in which all people are valued and supported.
• Proven ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments as well as development and implementation of strategic and operating goals and employee development plans.
• Strong team-building skills required.
• Proven ability to interact effectively as a member of a team and work collaboratively with other departments.
• Proven ability to listen to customers (e.g., students, staff, etc.) and to understand and respond positively to their requests.
• Strong negotiation skills and a track record of reaching win/win resolutions to challenging situations.
• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Application Process:

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter addressing the position qualifications and experience, a current resume, salary requirements, and contact information for three professional references. Applications received by October 4, 2024, will receive first consideration. Queens will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

About Queens University of Charlotte:

Located in the heart of the nation's second-fastest-growing metropolitan area, Queens University of Charlotte leverages the city's diverse and thriving environment as an extended classroom. Nationally recognized for undergraduate programs in international and interdisciplinary education, Queens blends the best of liberal arts learning with professional preparation and community engagement.

Benefits:

Queens offers comprehensive benefits to eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, domestic partner benefits, a 403b retirement plan, with two options (pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) contributions) with a generous match, vacation, and generous paid holidays, tuition remission and tuition exchange, Queens-paid life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, Health Savings Account), sick leave, and long-term disability leave, paid parental leave, FMLA leave when eligible, reduced-cost meals at Morrison Dining Hall, employee assistance program (EAP), free access to the Levine Center, wellness programs. In addition, employees may choose benefits such as pet insurance, critical care insurance, and legal assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Queens University of Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to supporting and celebrating all forms of diversity. Queens does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, national origin, disability, political beliefs, veteran status, genetic information, or any characteristic protected by law in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, employment, and hiring policies, or other University-administered programs.

Physical Requirements:

Physical requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation) require the ability to remain in a stationary position, most of the time, exchange accurate information with co-workers and clients, frequently, read reports, create presentations, use a computer system, most of the time, communicate with co-workers, clients, and vendors, most of the time, write, type, and use the computer, telephone, copier, and other office equipment systems, most of the time, move about inside the workspace to access resources and office equipment, and attend meetings across campus, regularly, exert moderate force to move objects, occasionally, think critically, concentrate on the task at hand, and respond quickly to changes in conditions, most of the time.

Work conditions include working in an office environment, involving contact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and service providers, work has deadlines, multiple interruptions, high volume, and may be stressful at times, occasional requirement to perform work in the evening and/or on weekends to achieve objectives of the position.

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