Deputy Director of Financial Aid Operations

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information work experience and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed the software is intelligent but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the My Experience section you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV as well as all other supporting documentation in the My Experience section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid the Deputy Director of Financial Aid Operations plays a critical leadership role in managing the daily operations of the Office of Financial Aid at Montclair State University and serves as a member of the Enrollment Management Leadership team. The Deputy supports the Director in ensuring the effective compliant and student-centered delivery of all federal state and institutional financial aid programs. The Deputy Director provides operational oversight supervises key staff and leads the continuous improvement of processes within the Banner Financial Aid system to enhance efficiency accuracy and service excellence. The Deputy Director serves as the Acting Director in their absence.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Director in providing strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of financial aid administration.

• Supervise the senior leadership team and evaluate staff responsible for awarding compliance customer service and systems operations.

• Develop implement and monitor operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal Title IV regulations New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) rules United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and institutional policies.

• Oversee the functional operation of Ellucian Banner Financial Aid and newly implemented Workday systems including setup testing rule building and process automation.

• Collaborate with Information Technology Enrollment Management and the Office of Student Accounts to maintain data integrity and improve system integration.

• Manage the annual aid cycle setup including verification packaging disbursement and reconciliation processes.

• Lead efforts to streamline operations improve processing timelines and ensure exceptional student service.

• Ensure institutional compliance with federal state and institutional regulations and audit requirements.

• Prepare reports and data analyses for internal and external stakeholders including audits program reviews and retention studies.

• Maintain expert knowledge of federal and state regulations and updating policies and procedures as needed.

• Oversee reconciliation of all aid programs in collaboration with the Controllers Office and the Office of Student Accounts.

• Support initiatives to enhance financial literacy outreach and retention through proactive communication and counseling.

• Partner with College/School Student Success Centers to align financial aid strategies with student retention and completion goals.

• Develop and implement staff training programs related to regulatory updates systems functionality and customer service.

• Represent the university at professional conferences workshops and committees (EASFAA NJASFAA NASFAA).

• Participate in university and community events as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Management retains the right to change or add job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Masters degree from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration including supervisory or management experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience with Ellucian Banner or similar student information system.

• Experience with report generation preferably in COGNOS.

• Strong analytical organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal regulations affecting financial aid.

• Experience supporting Federal grants State grants Private and Direct Lending process.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to student service.

PREFERRED:

• Proficiency in SQL

• Proficiency in Spanish.

• Proficiency in Workday Student

• Experience with state grant systems

• NASFAA credentials.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Salary Range

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits including health insurance retirement plans and tuition assistance. For further details please visit:

Montclair State University considers factors such as but not limited to scope and responsibilities of the position candidates relevant work experience education skills and internal equity when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is withina CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Department

Position Type

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns please contact Human Resources Workday Recruiting Support at (Option 2) or email talent@.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged committed to democracy and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at
IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details please visit: Experience:

Director