Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Date application must be received for priority consideration by: December 5, 2024
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: January 2, 2025

Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled:
Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional
Division/Department: Academic and Student Affairs/Financial Aid
Compensation Range (commensurate with experience) $83,000-$86,000 annually
FLSA Status: Exempt
Appointment Basis: 12-month
Time Type: Full-time
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration: Renewable
This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License: Yes
This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes
Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Work Location Type: On-campus
Work Hours: M-F (8:00a - 5:00p) Hours are subject to change with notice.
Worker Status: Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:
Each applicant is required to provide (as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) a letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; and (2) current resume/CV. - PLEASE NOTE - during the application process, you will be prompted to attach these documents in the area titled "Resume." Please either combine ALL documents into ONE attachment, OR upload each item separately in this section. Failure to upload ALL of the required documents may disqualify application from consideration.
For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or by phone at (541)552-8553.
To view SOU's very generous benefits and pension programs available to eligible positions, please visit https://inside.sou.edu/assets/hrs/Benefits/Benefit_Flyer/2024_Prospective_Candidate_Benefit_Overview_012024.pdf
Our benefits package is an important complement to the offered salary and our Total Compensation Calculator, https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/comp-calc.html , demonstrates our value and commitment to our employees.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Southern Oregon University (SOU) Director of Financial Aid provides leadership and direction to the financial aid and scholarships operation, as well as to other campus departments, with regard to the awarding and managing of all student aid programs. The director is responsible for managing the Federal Title IV aid programs, state grant and scholarship programs, institutional scholarships and remissions, and any other aid provided by outside donors; federal and state required reporting; the administration of the federal Quality Assurance Program; the supervision, training and evaluations of staff; the management of the departmental budget; and the strategic and long-range planning of the office in partnership with other university offices.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of financial aid in a college or university setting
A thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding student aid programs
Substantial supervisory experience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrated ability and experience in building positive relationships in a multi-cultural environment
Student-centered philosophy
Outstanding critical thinking skills
A commitment to excellent service

Preferred Requirements

Master's Degree
Extensive experience with complex software systems including Ellucian Banner.and US Department of Education applications such as EdConnect, SAIG, NSLDS, RFMS, and FISAP
Experience working with Veterans and administering Veterans benefits

Essential Functions

Duties - The following examples are typical work activities that are meant to illustrate the general range of work functions and are not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive:

(40%) Administrative Oversight

Serve as the primary administrator for financial aid and oversee all financial aid functions.
Interpret, implement and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
Oversee the financial aid operating budget.
Administer Title IV funds to eligible university students.
Administer financial aid and veterans educational benefits programs, including applying for funds, maintaining records, managing operating budgets, providing research data, maintaining policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations, and assist in maintaining data processing system
Develop office and institutional policy and procedures for awarding federal, state and institutional funds in a timely, accurate and equitable manner.
Keep current with federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and the financial aid community issues.
Train and manage the financial aid staff; maintain staff position descriptions, conduct annual performance reviews, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, and other university policies in employment-related decisions, and promote a safe and healthy work environment.
Oversee and maintain the financial aid computer support systems.
Set up annual award parameters according to program requirements in Banner, EdConnect, Net Partner, and the R2T4 program.
Contribute as needed to overall institutional efforts around student success and retention, including Case and Collaboration meetings and supporting Commencement and related duties.
Serve as the primary administrative and functional lead for conversion of Financial Aid from Banner to Workday
Co-chair the Financial Aid subcommittee of Enrollment Council
Represent Raider Student Services in a variety of committees and meetings

(40%) Institutional/State/Federal Compliance and Collaboration

Work with other university departments to meet recruiting and retention efforts and to meet federal compliance in areas such as the withdrawal, admission, consortium and disbursement criteria.

Manage private funds while maintaining rules and policies established by donors. Work with the SOU Foundation and the financial aid staff to award these funds.

Supervises the certification of VA Educational Benefits to assure compliance with state and federal regulations for veteran students and their dependents (KO).

Direct and monitor the evaluation and verification of student eligibility in accordance with the Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines.

Facilitate the Appeals and Awards Committees.

Ensure that the Compliance and Scholarship Coordinator manages the SOU scholarship and selection process.

Manage the SAP appeals process.

Oversee the development and distribution of informational sessions.

Review and update all forms and letters used by the financial aid staff in their customer information, assuring it is accurate, up-to-date, and distributed in a timely manner.

Update and coordinate information in the university catalog, student handbook, schedule of classes, and other institutional brochures or web pages.

Prepare reports to meet federal and state requirements and assist in data gathering as requested by other university departments and national surveys.

Maintain the policy and procedures manual and organize information for program reviewers, accreditation team or auditors.

File the Title IV recertification application and report institutional changes to the federal government.

Provide information to Business Services for the annual FISAP and reconcile matches with them for all financial aid accounts.

Interact with outside agencies including the US Department of Education, the Federal Quality Assurance Team, the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, and others.

Responsible for the data gathering and reporting for the Federal QA Program working with the office QA team; oversee the management of the OSAC grant and scholarship program posting/awarding; oversee the management and reporting for the Federal Direct Loan and Pell Programs under the US Department of Education.

Coordinate with other university offices such as the Success at Southern TRiO Program, the offices of Admissions, Budget, Business Services, Housing, and the Registrar's Office to ensure smooth delivery of aid and provide support to these offices in related enrollment, recruiting, retention and grant-writing efforts.

(20%) Direct Student/Family Support and Other Responsibilities

Meet and counsel with students and parents regarding financial aid; participate in outreach activities such as HS nights, Preview Days, New Student Orientation, Raider Registration, and college fairs.
Monitor satisfactory academic progress; review and respond in a timely fashion to student petitions.
Decide which appeals to approve, put on hold for further information, approve with conditions, or refer to the Appeals Committee. Develop, review and administer the SAP policies and procedures.
Prepare and administer annual student aid budgets.
Coordinate over $50 million per year in student awards. Oversee the disbursement procedures in the Banner Financial Aid system to student Banner accounts.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and consistently apply a wide variety of complex policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not always exist.
Expressed ability to work with frequent changes in policies and procedures, under pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical and research skills; demonstrated ability to gather, evaluate, and to develop well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to proactively assess work operations and anticipate potential problems; ability to develop and implement strategies for preventing/resolving problems.
Great ability to effectively perform work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature that requires access to information. Must be able to exercise sound judgment and discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
Takes initiative in independently planning, organizing, and performing work assignments within broadly defined parameters
Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of productivity and accuracy/attention to detail.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the demonstrated ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, social media platforms, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
Demonstrated ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
Willingness to and work effectively in a heavily bureaucratic environment which requires regular interaction with a number of levels within the organization and multiple outside agencies.
Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn, university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to provide training and direction to student assistants.
Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Physical Demands

Normal office activities such as sitting/standing at a desk, using a computer, answering phones, and communicating in person both in writing and via phone with others. Works in a busy office environment with constant interruptions and demands.

Special Conditions

Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
Must be able to work additional hours and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.
Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
This position classification has been defined as exempt and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The person holding this position is considered a mandatory reporter under the Oregon Revised Statutes and is required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

_________________________

SOU is an equal access AA/EOE committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Southern Oregon University will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on this application. If, however, you require a reasonable accommodation in the application and/or interview process due to disability, requests must be made in a timely manner to Human Resources.

Diversity Statement:
Southern Oregon University is a welcoming community committed to inclusive excellence and the celebration of diversity. Without diversity, our educational process is diminished. Working together in support of our commitment to diversity, we strengthen and enrich our role as learners, educators and members of a tightly connected global community. We encourage those who share in our commitment to diversity, to join our community and we expect all our employees to demonstrate an ability and desire to create an inclusive campus community.

SOU Land Acknowledgement
We want to take this moment to acknowledge that Southern Oregon University is located within the ancestral homelands of the Shasta, Takelma, and Latgawa peoples who lived here since time immemorial. These Tribes were displaced during rapid Euro-American colonization, the Gold Rush, and armed conflict between 1851 and 1856. In the 1850s, the discovery of gold and settlement brought thousands of Euro-Americans to their lands, leading to warfare, epidemics, starvation, and villages being burned. In 1853 the first of several treaties were signed, confederating these Tribes and others together - who would then be referred to as the Rogue River Tribe. These treaties ceded most of their homelands to the United States, and in return, they were guaranteed a permanent homeland reserved for them. At the end of the Rogue River Wars in 1856, these Tribes and many other Tribes from western Oregon were removed to the Siletz Reservation and the Grand Ronde Reservation. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon ( https://www.grandronde.org ) and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians ( https://www.ctsi.nsn.us/ ) are living descendants of the Takelma, Shasta, and Latgawa peoples of this area. We encourage YOU to learn about the land you reside on and to join us in advocating for the inherent sovereignty of Indigenous people.

Notice to Prospective Employees
Section 485 of the Higher Education Act, and The Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (now referred to as the "Clery Act"), require that prospective employees be notified of the availability of SOU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report provides the annual statistics and campus policies for the reporting of and responding to campus crimes and fires; access to campus facilities; conduct code and campus policies on the use, possession, and sale of drugs/alcohol; and educational/information programs to inform the campus community about campus security procedures and crime prevention.

An electronic copy of the Annual Security Report (ASR)can be accessed at the following link:
https://inside.sou.edu/security/statistics.html . A physical copy of the ASR is available at no charge upon request. To request a copy please visit the Campus Public Safety Office at 382 Wightman Street, Ashland OR 97520. For more information call 541-552-6258, or email clerycoordinator@sou.edu .

To apply, please visit: https://sou.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Southern_Oregon_University/job/Southern-OregonAshland-Campus/Director-of-Financial-Aid_R0000593

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