Executive Director of Financial Aid Services and Chief Student Financial Aid Officer

The Executive Director of Financial Aid Services and Chief Student Financial Aid Officer provides leadership, direction, and oversight for Financial Aid staff and the financial aid administration processes. The Executive Director ensures data integrity, compliance with federal, state, and other program regulations, financial aid program administration, and delivery of excellent customer service to students, families, faculty, and staff. This individual works to ensure best practices and regulations are followed for all students receiving financial aid and works collaboratively with other offices to ensure excellent student-centered service to assist in the meeting of university and Strategic Plan goals of student access and success.  

The person in this position exhibits:

Integrity: Accountability for doing the right thing by exercising good judgment and honesty. Ability to create a safe environment for students and families and team members, including having emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Transparency and thoughtfulness in communication.

Care: Prioritization of creating the best experience possible for each person we encounter and at every step of the student experience. Providing service to others by being friendly, approachable and inclusive. Commitment to collaboration and to being a team player with a positive attitude. Inclusivity, which is the ability to work with a diverse group of people and having the ability to relate and be relatable to all those we serve.

Intentionality: Strong work ethic and contribution to the excellence of the Division of Enrollment Management and OU; self-motivation. Consistency in meeting deadlines and responding in a timely manner.

Innovation: Possession of a natural curiosity to learn and a continual pursuit of personal and professional growth in the field of college enrollment management. A focus on innovation, displaying an understanding of positive change and possessing a strong analytic ability. Efficiency by researching best practices, making creativity a priority.

Essential Duties:

• Leads and oversees the Student Financial Center, Financial Aid Services, Scholarship Office and the MoneyCoach Program.
• Works with Vice President of Enrollment Management to optimize awarding strategies. 
• Acts as a leading campus advocate for the value and importance of financial aid by serving on various committees.
• Establishes and implements financial aid guidelines, policies and procedures and develops long-range plans. 
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies governing student financial assistance. 
• Prepares required reports for federal, state and institutional needs. 
• Ensures effectiveness and efficiency of computer applications to secure the receipt and transfer of financial aid information. Monitors processes to ensure compliance and best practices. 
• Investigates and defuses escalated student, faculty and staff issues. 
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position. 

Required Education: Master's Degree, AND: 

• 60 months of Student Financial Aid Services experience and 48 months of Director level experience

Skills:

• Considerable knowledge and understanding of contemporary best practices in financial aid management
• A demonstrated record of customer service
• Familiarity with a high level of technology
• Exceptional internal and external communication skills
• Knowledge of financial aid compliance, regulations, and best practices

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Ability to engage in repetitive motion. 
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the college community and the public. 

Supervision: Directors (2) Associate Directors (5)

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing .

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.