The Director of Financial Assistance Services is responsible for the administration and oversight of programs and personnel that ensure the efficient, equitable, and student-centered delivery of financial assistance services. This position is responsible for administrative duties associated with those functions including, but not limited to, program planning and compliance, federal aid processing, default management, administration of institutional scholarships/waiver programs and veteran education benefits. This position supervises full-time and part-time professional and classified staff. The Director of Financial Assistance Services reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success.

JOB DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

COLLEGIALITY/SERVICE

• Professionally and efficiently execute Cameron University’s commitment to student success.
• Ensure that students are served efficiently with courtesy and respect.
• Work collegially with all university departments to ensure efficient delivery of services and productive use of resources to meet university expectations with regard to student financial assistance needs.
• Assist families in accessing resources to make college attendance affordable.
• Provide community outreach relating to financial aid.
• Provide support to the Vice President in the execution of all activities, events and operations in the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success to accomplish institutional and divisional goals.

STRATEGIC PLANNING/COMPLIANCE

• Develop and implement strategies to ensure the timely delivery of financial assistance to all students.
• Provide oversight of the verification, awarding and disbursement of all financial aid to students.
• Ensure department policies and procedures are followed and the institution is in full compliance with federal, state laws and university policies and procedures.
• Maintain clear understanding of federal methodology of student need analysis.
• Maintain current working knowledge of federal, state and institutional regulations and procedures.
• Submit federal, state and institutional reports as required.

MANAGEMENT

• Supervise the scholarship process leading to effective disbursement of instructional scholarships and tuition waivers.
• Supervise the accurate and efficient disbursement of veteran education benefits.
• Supervise the implementation of a comprehensive default management program.
• Maintain an understanding of NCAA and Division II rules as they relate to financial aid for student athletes.
• Perform all appropriate administrative duties including, but not limited to, budget maintenance, personnel development, and departmental assessment.
• Coordinate financial assistance programs and activities with other institutional departments and external agencies.

SUPERVISION

• Coordinator of Financial Assistance & Default Management
• Scholarship Specialist
• Financial Assistance Specialists (2)
• Information Systems Specialist
• Assistant Director and Coordinator of Veterans Affairs
• VA Certification Specialists (2)
• Administrative Assistant II
  • Student Assistants (multiple)

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Five years of work experience in financial assistance or university environment with progressive responsibilities.
• Proven track record in excellence in student/customer service.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and management ability.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrated understanding of educational, administrative and personnel policy and practices within higher education as well as the regional university mission.
• Ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly, and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Program planning and assessment abilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of diverse populations.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated leadership in a higher education environment to include significant experience in reporting, compliance, budget processes and information systems relating to financial aid operations.
• Mastery of the Banner Financial Aid Module and other student aid systems.
• Experience with Academic Works software to manage institutional scholarships.
• Earned Master’s Degree.

SALARY:

$70,000 

BENEFITS:

Cameron University offers a wide variety of comprehensive programs to benefit our employees. We are proud to offer such benefits as paid medical coverage for our employees, ample time off and opportunities and employee tuition waiver programs. To view all benefits available to employees, visit: http://www.cameron.edu/hr/staff-benefits-summary.

TRAVEL:

The Director of Financial Assistance Services is expected to travel approximately 20% within Cameron University’s local and surrounding areas. If available and requested, a university vehicle will be provided. Employees will be reimbursed according to policy for travel expenses incurred while conducting official university business to include lodging, per Diem, and transportation. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

INSTITUITION:

Cameron University (www.cameron.edu) is a state-supported regional institution located in Lawton, Oklahoma, that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dedicated to excellence, the university provides a wide range of economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for the betterment of all citizens. Master's-level graduate degrees are offered in business, behavioral sciences, and education; baccalaureate programs are offered in more than forty disciplines, and associate degrees are offered in many other studies. The close proximity of Fort Sill contributes to an area rich in cultural diversity and provides the opportunity for frequent cooperative efforts. The combined community of Lawton/Fort Sill has a population of more than 100,000 and is located adjacent to the picturesque Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. A copy of the University’s Annual Security Report, listing crime statistics and university policies, is available by contacting the Office of Public Safety or by accessing the report online at www.cameron.edu/ops.

APPLYING:

Attachments must include a COVER LETTER INDICATING EXPERIENCE APPLICABLE TO THE POSITION, RESUME, TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial are acceptable at this point), NAMES, ADDRESSES, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THREE PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES. Only those candidates that submit a complete application along with the requested documentation are assured of receiving full consideration.

DEADLINE: 

Applications will be received until the position is filled.

EEO/AA EMPLOYER/VETS/DISABILITY

Required Skills Required Experience