Description

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Enrollment, the University Director of Financial Services and Student Systems, is part of a collaborative leadership team within the enrollment division.  The University Director is responsible for the leadership and overall management of financial aid programs and the coordination of all available budget, personnel, and technical resources within the financial aid department. The University Director also provides leadership in the development and implementation of financial aid policies and the compliance of all federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations pertaining to financial aid and veterans’ services.

The University Director is an influential leader who will anticipate and respond to change with agility. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others, be willing to take risks, be creative, innovative, and decisive. This person will build trust within the team and Suffolk; build and sustain a motivated and empowering relationship between the team and their colleagues; build and sustain momentum and remain focused on our students.  The University Director will provide expertise and knowledge of best practices and leadership in guiding a model operation.

Primary/Principal Responsibilities:

With campus leadership, develop aid strategies to position the University to meet enrollment, retention and tuition revenue goals.  Provide leadership ongoing assessment of progress toward meeting these goals and provide guidance on strategic/tactical adjustments as warranted.   Accurate management of institutional financial aid budget of approximately $130M annually.   Prepare future annual financial aid budget requests in alignment with University enrollment and retention goals.   Monitor awarding strategies result in expected budget expenditures throughout budget cycle. 

Complete federal, state, and institutional reports including applications for federal funding and reports the expenditures of funds allocated, such as the FISAP. Coordinate internal reconciliation efforts and report to reviewing entities, such as auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation teams.  Lead compliance efforts related to Title IV. 

Direct and oversee the responsibilities of the office so as to support the enrollment management planning and effectiveness of the College.  Supervisory duties include hiring, training and development, performance management and evaluation, advancement of employees, and disciplinary action.  Direct reports include the Director of Undergraduate Financial Services, the Director of Graduate Financial Services and the Manager of the Ram Registration Center.

Administer the awarding of State and Federal aid resources consistent within the regulations of such aid.  Administer Suffolk’s financial aid resources consistent with University strategy and policies.  Acts as campus authority on financial aid programs and provides information on financial aid to the college community. Prepares and updates financial aid publications and other financial aid-related consumer information.

Workday Student project – Financial Aid workstream lead and core team member

Collaborate with other offices (including but not limited to) the Advancement Office, Finance Office, Information Technology, Bursar, Admissions, Registrar, and Student Affairs to ensure mutual support of each other’s functions and continued effectives of the University’s operations.  In coordination with the Advancement Office, develop strategy to ensure all donor scholarship programs are awarded annually according to fund agreements.  Review and advise on proposed scholarship terms for new fund agreements.  Aid with donor stewardship.  Cover letter required in order to be seriously considered for this role.

Requirements/Qualification:    

• Bachelor’s Degree required;
• A minimum of 15-years progressive financial aid experience;
• Possess a thorough understanding of State and Federal laws surrounding financial aid and aid administration; Experience monitoring, applying, and communicating about Title IV eligibility;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Customer service mind-set;
• Ability to work and communicate with diverse staff and student population;
• Demonstration of strong interpersonal, communication and managerial skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff and student population;
• Ability to work independently and also to work collaboratively with senior leadership and offices throughout the University;
• Experience working with Colleague/Workday information system;
• Knowledge of Veterans Administration regulations and requirements.
• The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to help developing and implementing the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and goals.
• Cover letter required in order to be seriously considered. 

This position has some flexibility for a hybrid remote schedule to be determined with the manager based on the needs of the office.

Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, the University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.