Associate Director, Financial Aid

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: The Department of Financial Aid at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applicants to apply for a full-time, exempt position with full benefits. Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director of Financial Aid is responsible for various financial aid reporting, analysis, problem resolution, maintenance, testing and enhancement. Responsible for improving inefficiencies within all functional areas of Financial Aid by using technology to provide systematic solutions to problems and enhancement of existing processes. Works closely with the IT and related campus departments. Salary Range: $100,000 - $101,000 Benefits: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as a University System of Maryland institution and a Maryland State agency, provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular faculty and staff. The Office of Employee Benefits provides consultative services and assistance with benefits planning, enrollment, and changes. Eligible employees may participate in a variety of benefit plans including:

• Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division.
• Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance).
• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions.
• Exempt positions start at 22 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year), and paid holidays.
• Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs. Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities: •Assists Director of Financial Aid with daily import and export processes between Department of Education and PeopleSoft system. •In consultation with Information Technology Services, maintains a working knowledge of financial aid processes, PeopleSoft Financial Aid screens and software, including but not limited to ED Connect, Image Now, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), federal Central Processing Services (CPS), Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). •Monitors financial aid procedures and assures that data entry standards are followed and that the FA operations process manual is kept current annually. •Works with Director of Financial Aid to test patches and upgrades regularly and timely. •Maintains a clear and thorough understanding of current systems environment. Carries out fact finding and problem analysis where applicable. Completes test scenarios and works with related departments to ascertain testing effects. Working closely with the Director of Financial Aid, troubleshoots and resolves processing and setup errors within the Financial Aid PeopleSoft module; pays attention to issues that arise as a result of modifications to related modules of the system. •Works closely with the Director of Financial Aid and Information Technology Services to continually grow the system and improve business process operations within the Financial Aid Office. Assists with the automation of standard processes i.e. packaging and SAP. •Performs other related duties as required or assigned. Physical Demands: •May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk. •May require lifting. •Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally. •Requires operation of a variety of office equipment. Preferences: •Bachelor’s degree. •Five (5) years of experience in financial aid administration with at least three (3) years of management experience. •Supervisory experience. •Strong knowledge of Federal Financial Aid COD / CPS / NSLDS /EdConnect /FAA Access. •Experience with awarding, verification, review of appeals, and counseling students on federal financial aid. •Thorough knowledge of Title IV and Title VII financial aid programs. •Knowledge of how state programs integrate with federal and institutional funding. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: •Strong analytical skills to analyze and interpret financial data. •Ability and a record of team building, problem-solving, and integrity. •Ability to present in front of an audience. •Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks/projects concurrently and respond to emergency situations effectively. •Expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of applications. •Effective written and oral communication skills. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Eight (8) years of professional financial aid administration experience. Three (3) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff. Knowledge of accounting systems, financial reporting, and financial aid administration. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments. Ability to acquire, apply and expand knowledge of the University’s policies and operating details for sponsored programs. Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of names of three current professional references (current or past supervisor) including e-mail address, and telephone number (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMES to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Department UMES-VPSA-Financial Aid Operation Worker Sub-Type Staff Regular Salary Range $100,000 - $101,000 EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Diversity Statement The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation. Title IX Statement It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.