Manager of Financial Aid Systems - Operations

ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCY FLSA Status: United States of America (Exempt) Compensation: $54,000-$58,000 Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information! SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea. From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement. Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create. Colorado Mesa University Core Values Love -  Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others Dignity -  Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill Courage -  Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities Humility -  Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others Resiliency -  Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity Curiosity -  Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown Power -  The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals SECTION II – THE SEAT At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats. The Manager of Financial Aid Systems serves as a key liaison between the Financial Aid department, technology, and campus users. Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, this position oversees the development, maintenance, and support of technology systems that streamline financial aid processes. This includes managing federal processing systems and systems integration, supporting staff with software and systems troubleshooting, and driving improvements based on data analysis to enhance financial aid workflows. The Manager also collaborates with the Associate Director to plan and execute annual projects and process improvements that align with the university’s goals. OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS Oversight and Development of Departmental Processes: Manage and oversee the financial aid department’s technology systems, including database management, project management, and troubleshooting. Support training for staff on system changes and software implications for financial aid processes. Ensure system upgrades and patches to systems like Banner do not disrupt financial aid processes, advising staff and campus departments of updates and implications. Support various financial aid systems, such as Banner, Xtender, and SoftDocs, ensuring alignment with departmental needs and federal regulations. Management of Financial Aid Programs and Functions: Lead the administration of satisfactory academic progress processes, ensuring federal Title IV compliance. Oversee the electronic financial aid data load process, including downloading/uploading application data, resolving discrepancies, and maintaining applicant records in Banner. Monitor and reconcile federal funds, including Pell Grants, FWS, and FSEOG, ensuring timely reporting and accurate system balances. Data, Analytics, and Process Improvement: Promote a culture of continuous improvement by analyzing and implementing data-driven process improvements. Generate statistical reports and use data to make decisions that optimize financial aid processes. Collaborate with campus departments and upper management to develop and monitor process improvement initiatives. Customer Service and Culture: Provide high-level customer service by independently handling routine inquiries and resolving complaints. Counsel students, families, faculty, and staff on financial aid matters, ensuring clear communication and timely resolutions. Support CMU’s one-stop services (IRIS) and participate in financial aid outreach to the community. Keep current on federal financial aid regulations and ensure compliance with all processes, including packaging, awarding, and disbursements. Supervisory Responsibilities The Manager of Financial Aid Systems will supervise and mentor student workers, ensuring proper training, task management, and performance evaluations. As well as contributing to strategic departmental decisions and assisting in the development of policies and procedures. Accountability to Results The Manager of Financial Aid Systems is accountable for: Maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Financial Aid department’s systems. Timely resolution of system issues. Accuracy of data processing. Im