Director of Strategic Financial Aid Initiatives
Job Description
Concordia University, Nebraska, an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, believes, teaches, and confesses that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. As people called by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel to saving faith in Christ Jesus, the Word of God guides all we do in leading, teaching, and learning. Concordia equips students for lives of learning, service, and leadership in the home, church, and world.
Come and belong…join our team of passionate service leaders!
Concordia University is needing a Director of Strategic Financial Aid Initiatives who wants to be a part of this mission. The main campus (and this role) is located in Seward, Nebraska. If you thrive in a Christian atmosphere and community driven environment, you will enjoy Concordia University's community feel. If you want to learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska please visit www.cune.edu.
Position Purpose:
The purpose of this position is to lead the development and execution of impactful strategic initiatives in financial aid leveraging, specifically around the strategic management and distribution of institutional aid, to support the institution's strategic plan. Focus is given to discount rate and cost/revenue per student monitoring, leveraging institutional aid to assist in enrollment and retention goals, and fostering a data-driven and collaborative culture across Concordia University. This is a full-time position with full benefits package.
Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives around the use of institutional aid to reach enrollment and retention strategic plan goals.
- Lead the Financial Aid Leveraging team (Admissions, Athletics, Performance, Academic, Financial Aid, Accounting Office, Marketing) in:
- Developing and managing reporting on new and current student discount rates and yield rates by institutional aid levels.
- Evaluating the performance and impact of strategic initiatives.
- Utilize reports and evaluations to inform data-driven decision-making.
- Ensure proper training and consistent messaging around financial aid leveraging philosophy, institutional aid distribution, (FAO) processes, and updates to practices including awarding process for extracurricular scholarships.
- Assist with the updating of all print and website material related to financial aid, including net price calculator.
- Collaborate with university departments who systematize financial aid leveraging processes (i.e. IT and Registrar’s Office)
- Research financial aid initiatives and practices at peer colleges (currently CUS, GPAC, and NE publics) as well as national trends. Professional development will be necessary to keep Concordia competitive and relevant in the financial aid market.
- Provide regular reporting on recruitment and enrollment communities with discount rate, net tuition revenue and ensure accuracy. Reporting should include not only new, but, returning students.
- Work with registrar, admissions, and advisement to ensure accurate coding within systems that will enable clear reporting.
- Ongoing mentorship and collaboration with community recruitment coordinators to maximize financial aid templates and strategies within identified communities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
Experience:
- Experience in business/finance and/or data analytics methodology development required.
- Demonstrated progressive responsibility in financial aid leveraging within higher education, including strong understanding of the principles of undergraduate enrollment and retention, as well as need-based and merit-based aid.
- Experience with project management and collaborative/group accountability.
Certifications:
- Valid driver's license.
Proficiencies:
- Proficiency in the use of software applications including Microsoft applications, database management, spreadsheets, report generation and word processing required.
- Ability to learn and work with Ellucian Banner Enterprise Resource (ERP) Planning and Student Information system (SIS).
- Ability to critically evaluate existing processes and then devise and implement improvements, or to create new processes where none currently exist.
Special Knowledge:
- Knowledge of SCT Banner software preferred.
- Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software preferred.
Special Position Requirements:
- Be professional and courteous when dealing with students, families, faculty and staff, and the general public.
- Strong analytical, organizational skills, and attention to detail are imperative.
- Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
- Strong verbal skills and the ability to communicate professionally with a diverse constitutency.
- Understanding of customer service principles.
- Goal-oriented; ability to prioritize and work on multiple tasks and a strong sense of urgency in achieving goals.
- Ability to foster effective working relationships in a team environment.
- Commitment to an environment of encouragement, teamwork, and excellence within a Christian University.
- Demonstrate character qualities of enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility, integrity, gratitude, kindness, self-control, perseverance, and punctuality.
- Values and beliefs aligned with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Member of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation preferred.
- A passion for what Concordia University, Nebraska does and commitment to the university's mission and vision.
- Graduate of Concordia University preferred, but not required.
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