Reporting to the Associate Vice-President Strategic Enrollment Management, the Director for Scholarships is collaborative and innovative in planning, organizing, and managing compliance issues, disbursement activity, campus partnerships, and client services in a student-centered manner, consistent with the university strategic plan. The Director for Scholarships is responsible for the oversight of scholarship operations for the entire university representing over $24 million in scholarship administration. The Director supervises a team comprised of student service professionals, III, IV, and Student Personnel Technicians. The Director is charged with the development and implementation of the university-wide scholarship program, processes, and timelines. The Director oversees all aspects of scholarship administration including audits, operations and student services, including other student educational award operations for the entire university, the Disney Aspire Program, athletic grants, and financial aid awarding for students studying abroad as well.
The Director performs in the following areas: (1) ensures the development and successful implementation of a university-wide, centralized scholarship program that supports the enrollment management and retention initiatives of the university by working with deans and department heads, various administrative departments and committees to optimize the enrollment and net revenue impact of institutional and foundation scholarships (2) uses knowledge and understanding of university and systemwide scholarship policies and state and federal financial aid regulations to ensure that scholarship award processing to students are compliant with said policies and regulations (3) coordinates with University Advancement partners to ensure effective utilization of privately-funded scholarships and to support that office in its efforts to raise philanthropic funds (4) coordinates with other offices to organize and administer special events associated with the administration of the scholarship program and arranges for university officials to represent the institution at events where scholarship awards are presented (5) develops annual scholarship budget projections and is responsible for tracking scholarship expenditures (6) completes managerial activities including staff evaluations, staff training, team building, and supervises day-to-day scholarship operations. Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Bachelors degree and four or more years of progressively responsible management experience in scholarship administration or related administrative area with at least two years of direct supervisory experience. Experience in developing and managing different types of budgets (departmental, financial aid, scholarship, etc.) and funds management. Excellent analytical, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are required. A background that includes organizational development, data management and use of associated computer systems, public relations and staff supervision is essential. Knowledge of need analysis, professional judgment, and federal and state financial aid programs is required, and Word is required. The successful candidate must be able to relate effectively with students and parents and work well with all campus departments. They must have an outstanding aptitude to anticipate and analyze problems, and make appropriate judgments on a daily basis. Strong basic mathematical and analytical skills, ability to document work clearly, work accurately and efficiently with attention to detail in a deadline-driven setting are required. Must be able to analyze highly complex situations and perform assignments without supervision. Mastery-level knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations regarding scholarships.
Mastery-level knowledge of University policies related to scholarships. Familiarity with administrative software systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Banner, Datatel, etc.) and the critical role technology plays in planning, maintaining and assessing operations. Proficiency with Windows NT, Outlook, Excel, electronic mail, Internet applications, and Word required.
Experience with process reengineering and the use of technology (e.g., imaging and workflow systems) to enhance processing. Ability to collect and analyze data, converting it to information that can be communicated to internal and external stakeholders. Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with people in a highly diverse environment. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning program development, and resource allocation. Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to compile, prepare, write, and review reports as well as the capacity to analyze, comprehend, and provide appropriate solutions to problems and courses of action.