Associate Director –Customer Experience, Financial Aid Job Opening

The University of Montana invites applications for an Associate Director –Customer Experience in Financial Aid. Under the guidance of the director, the Associate Director is responsible for supervising customer care, scholarships and communication initiatives in the Financial Aid Office and assists the director in planning, developing and administering the overall financial aid operation. As the Associate Director, you will share the responsibility with the Associate Director of Financial Aid Systems for the Financial Aid Office in the absence of the Director.

As the Associate Director you will manage foundation scholarship accounts assigned to the Financial Aid Office and oversees awarding of institutional recruitment scholarships. You will serve as liaison with Athletics in administering NCAA Division I athletic scholarships; chair the scholarship appeals committee; advise students and parents about the process of applying for financial aid in small and large group settings; assist students with navigating SAP appeal process and present options when appeals are denied; coordinate aid for National Student Exchange (NSE) and study abroad students; make sure content of office website is current and accurate; and oversee financial aid campaigns.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, (select one) MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $55,000 - $70,000 annually commensurate with qualifications.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to understand and effectively communicate complex policies to clientele and staff.
• Strong mathematical/accounting skills and have great attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills and be able to have consistently positive interpersonal interactions with students, families, agency representatives, faculty and staff.
• Ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing job demands.
• Ability to learn and become proficient using multiple software/database applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Title IV regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Possess a steadfast commitment to diversity, maintaining an inclusive institutional environment
• Must be able to be granted access to federal aid databases, meaning cannot be in default on any federal loans.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of experience in financial aid administration with a demonstrated progression of responsibility or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in student personnel, counseling, business or related field
• Experience with Banner financial aid module.
• Experience with Blackbaud Award Management (Academic Works)
• Supervisory experience

About UM and Financial Aid

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 500+ full-time faculty members. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 70,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014. Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

The office of Financial Aid strives to support the educational goals of students, equitably distribute financial resources to an economically diverse population within the bounds of imposed regulations. We attempt to provide a depth of service corresponding to the needs of our community. We strive to build the reputation of the university by being courteous, knowledgeable and approachable to all. We endeavor to effectively use technology and continually seek to improve our communication and processes. We embrace each staff member’s strengths, creating a positive environment where we can all thrive.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • University Highlights
• City of Missoula
  • Destination Missoula
  • Video: There's This Place
  • Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
• State of Montana
  • Visit Montana
  
  

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: July 7, 2019

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

• Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information