Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Planning and Management/Executive Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

About the role

Ball State University seeks a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as its next Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, Paula Luff, the AVP/Executive Director will provide leadership for a comprehensive financial aid enterprise, aligning strategy, policy, and resources to advance institutional goals for enrollment, retention, affordability, and student success.

Responsibilities

• Create and update policies and procedures to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance, and all federal and state reporting and reconciliation is complete.
• Provide leadership as it relates to the impact of federal, state, and institutional financial aid budgeting decisions.
• Establish and execute policies and procedures to support the objectives, goals, and priorities of the EPM Division and the University Strategic Plan.
• Collaborate and develop strong working relationships with the EPM Leadership Team and other campus partners to help Ball State reach enrollment and retention goals through financial aid optimization.
• Serve as an administrator within the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management, as a member of the EPM Leadership Team contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and institutional decision-making.
• Lead and oversee the preparation and submission of all required reporting and audits (FISAP, A-133) and ensure the federal program participation agreement remains current and in effect; work with staff to develop reports to support daily operations and that provide insights and can guide strategy.
• Collaborate with, and at the discretion of, the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, perform divisional responsibilities associated with division, university, and Board of Trustees priorities, including strategic planning initiatives and expected outcomes.
• Ensure the effective delivery of services that support student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Develop, manage, and maintain the Financial Aid and Scholarships unit budget.
• Propose strategic goals and direction for the Financial Aid and Scholarships unit aligned with the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management and the Ball State University Strategic Plan for approval by the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management.
• Communicate approved goals and plans to staff and ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of all unit services.
• Lead and supervise unit staff by assigning and reviewing work; orienting and training employees; and making recommendations related to personnel matters, including interviewing and selection, compensation, discipline, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Accept responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; build trust and credibility with colleagues; promote open-mindedness and collaboration; foster a positive work environment; and treat others with respect.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, collaboration and management skills; ability to manage multiple projects/initiatives and deadlines; understanding and capacity to manage confidential information effectively
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of federal and state aid regulations and requirements; excellent computer skills
• Ability to analyze data, think critically, problem-solve creatively, and make data informed decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
• Eight years or more of experience in the financial aid profession
• Direct and in-depth experience in the management of financial aid leveraging; direct and in-depth budget management experience; five years of experience in higher education enrollment management at a mid-size or large public university with increasing responsibilities
• Participation in state, regional, and/or national financial aid professional organizations

Benefits

Ball State University offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year
• Affordable health and dental insurance
• Robust long-term disability and life insurance plans
• A range of retirement benefits
• Child and parent tuition assistance