Reporting to the Deputy Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships, supervises a team of financial aid counselors and formulates procedures for functional area to ensure accurate, efficient, and timely delivery of student aid that is in compliance with regulations and supports departmental objectives.

This position ensures institutional integrity and ethical standards, monitoring and implementing regulations that govern financial aid programs at the federal, state and university level. Responsible for overall management and direction of financial aid specialty projects, programs and activities as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or five years equivalent experience / training.

• Advanced knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid. In-depth knowledge of the financial aid service partners with a thorough understanding of the processing relationships and the technology of different mechanisms between entities (Federal Government, State Government, IRS, central processing agencies, lenders, guarantors, scholarship agencies, etc) to facilitate eligibility confirmation and problem resolution.

• Advanced knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures, including those related to supervising employees. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the mission of the University and Student Affairs and the integral role of financial aid in student recruitment and retention. Strong leadership and motivational skills to create a positive and engaging work environment with a focus on customer service and staff development.

• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.

• Ability to interpret complex policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance. In-depth knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering of federal Title IV, state and university financial aid programs to ensure compliance. Ability to research interpret and apply complex rules and laws. Write and present concise findings with recommended course of action.

• Advanced problem identification, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability. Understanding of user testing and quality assurance techniques and practices. Ability to oversee thorough testing of new functionality and to recognize errors or malfunctions.

• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work for self and others to meet deadlines. Possesses strong project management skills. Experience in leading multiple complex projects and project teams engaged in process assessment, systems analysis, development, implementation and user testing. Proven ability to evaluate workload and available resources and to adjust schedules and priorities as required. Proven ability to direct and assess performance of staff assigned to project teams.

• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills along with active listening, persuasion, and negotiation skills. Ability to communicate effectively and in a sensitive and confidential manner with campus colleagues to ensure student success and to respond to students who are in financial crisis.

• Possesses and uses strong customer service orientation skills.

• Ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Ability to work with community members and to provide outreach presentation as part of recruitment and enrollment management.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Social perceptiveness.

• Proficiency with standard office software, internet, and email applications.

• Experience using complex databases. Working knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs. Strong technology skills with financial aid management software systems. Knowledge and understanding of databases and external financial aid systems (EdExpress, COD; NSLDS, CPS, Web Grants, ELM) and experience with document management and imaging systems.

• Ability to define specifications for database programming.

• Thorough knowledge of the philosophy, concept and application of financial aid methodologies to ensure equitable treatment of applicants

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the mission of Student Affairs and the integral role of financial aid in student recruitment and retention, and the required partnerships that are necessary to successfully administer and manage a multidimensional financial aid program at a large, public research institution.

• Demonstrated experience and skill to routinely monitor production and quality of work being produced by staff and set performance standards, observing behavior, providing objective feedback, counseling, and implementing corrective action as needed to mediate disputes or otherwise help to resolve conflicts and to provide effective leadership/coaching/mentoring.

• Cover letter strongly encouraged for a complete application.

• Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18). Completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) form is required.

• Job offer is contingent upon a satisfactory clearance based on background check results.

• Available to work evenings/weekends during peak periods; some domestic travel may be expected.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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