About Western Kentucky University:
Western Kentucky University (WKU): Founded in 1906, WKU is located in Bowling Green,
Kentucky, an ethnically and racially diverse city of 61,500 people, about 110 miles
south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville. More than 50 different languages
are spoken in and around Bowling Green and people from 35 nationalities call the area
home. We seek to attract research- and teaching-active faculty, as well as staff members,
from academically and culturally diverse backgrounds. The university's population
of approximately 20,000 students includes 35% first generation university/college,
15% underrepresented minority and 6% international students. A regional comprehensive
university, WKU is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge;
improves learning; and serves the region, state and nation.
Please view our current openings to see how you can be a part of the Western Kentucky
University community. We offer a very attractive benefits package including health,
dental, life and long-term-disability insurance; retirement; flexible spending accounts;
EAP services; and generous vacation, medical and holiday paid time off. We also offer
an outstanding tuition remission policy for employees, their spouses and dependents.
Job Description:
Purpose of Position The Director reports to the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Experience and
is responsible for the leadership and management of the Department of Student Financial
Assistance. The primary purpose of the Department of Student Financial Assistance
is to administer all financial aid programs of the University including grants, scholarships,
loans, veteran benefits, and student employment. The unit administers over $200 million
annually in student aid funds.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be considered
all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion
and institutional needs
- Plans, develops, organizes and manages all operational activities of the department
in a manner consistent with the mission of the Division of Enrollment & Student Experience
in congruence with the strategic initiatives of the University.
- Sets the strategic vision, annual goals, and objectives for the department in relation
to administering aid funds In the most efficient manner possible and maximize aid
options most advantageous for students.
- Develops, implements, and enforces financial aid policies, practices, and procedures
to ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations.
- Manages and reconciles departmental budget and various financial aid program budgets
(in excess of $203 million annually) ensuring efficient and authorized use of financial
resources.
- Manages all reporting responsibilities for federal, state and institutional financial
aid programs, including independent auditor's annual report (A-133).
- Serves as liaison with other University offices and departments to coordinate activities
designed to optimize recruitment, retention, and graduation of financial aid recipients.
- Continually evaluates policies, programs, and services of the department to ensure
compliance. quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of operations.
- Assesses technical needs and enhancements used in financial aid administration and
incorporates Improvements and modifications when appropriate.
- Anticipates impact of financial aid legislation and trends to manage financial aid
initiatives and processes accordingly.
- Provides data and statistical analysts as needed financial aid recipients.
- Oversees evaluation of all financial aid awarded to athletes and works regularly with
foe Athletics department to ensure compliance with NCAA regulations.
- Hires, supervises, conducts performance appraisals and administers discipline for
departmental staff
- Represents the University at federal, state and professional association meetings
and in financial aid matters to the local community including students, prospective
students, parents, high school personnel and other organizations.
- Serves on various University task forces and committees.
- Performs other related duties as assured by supervisor.
Knowledge and Skills Essential for Success
- Substantial technical knowledge necessary to facilitate financial aid processes.
- Experience in budget management with strong grasp of account aid procedures.
- Skills In examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy
and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
- Strong interpersonal and communication stilts including the ability to effectively
interact with interact at all levels of the University and favorably represent the
institutional with external constituents
- Excellent leadership capacities with demonstrated ability to lead, train and develop
a team of response subordinate staff.
- Strong decision-making skills that Include the ability to evaluate data quickly, set
policy and lead process implementation
- Strong proactive planning, assessment/analysis, and research skills
- Knowledge of financial aid best practices.
- Prior experience working in a mid-size to large public university.
Performance Expectations The duties and responsibilities of this position must be performed In a competent
manner following the highest standards for leadership, professionalism, integrity,
accountability, responsibly, cooperation and customer- service.
Requirements:
- Master's degree with a minimum of five years of extensive financial aid experience
at an institution of higher education.
- Experience with enterprise level financial aid and student data management system.
- Knowledge of NCAA regulations concerning financial aid
- Comprehensive understanding of federal and state aid programs and governing regulations.
Additional Information:
Salary Range: $70,000 - $98,000
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to
conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic
origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status,
or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs
and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990.
Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the
application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment
Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO) at (270) 745- 5121, a
minimum of five working days in advance.
Application Instructions:
The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:
You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate
review process will generally begin as materials are received. The expected hire date
is on or about July 1, 2019.
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