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Director of Student Financial Assistance

Program Manager IV

Recruitment #14-005479-011

Introduction

Director of Student Financial Assistance
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Program Manager IV (5479)

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy Grasmick Education Building
6 N Liberty Street, 10th FL
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Director of Student Financial Assistance is a member of the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s (MHEC) leadership team and leads the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), which is responsible for administering the State’s financial aid programs and advising the Secretary of Higher Education, Governor’s Office, and General Assembly on key financial aid issues. Specific position responsibilities include:

POSITION DUTIES

  • Provide oversight, management, and direction for OSFA. This includes oversight of over twenty need-based, merit, and loan assistance repayment programs totaling nearly $100 million annually.
  • Ensure that all OSFA processes and procedures comply with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Prepare statistical reports, funding models, annual budgets, and projections for all financial aid programs to ensure sufficient appropriations and aligned expenditures; and to assist with policy development and analysis.
  • Represent MHEC on numerous advisory boards, including the Financial Assistance Advisory Council, Financial Education and Capability Commission, and the Workforce Shortage Advisory Council.
  • Work with the Director of Outreach and Grants Management to provide oversight for college awareness and outreach activities (e.g., financial aid presentations).
  • Prepare fiscal estimates and testimony for proposed legislation for the General Assembly, and representing the agency at various briefings and bill hearings.
  • Provide leadership, direction, and guidance for a staff of thirteen employees. Develop procedures and performance standards; assist in staff development, training, and other personnel-related tasks; and constantly seek to maximize staff performance through continual process improvement.
  • Complete special projects at the request of the Secretary of Higher Education.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education:  A master’s degree in Public Administration, Higher Education, or another relevant major from an accredited college or university.
 
Experience: Eight years of experience in postsecondary education financial aid management.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader in postsecondary education with excellent communication skills, budgeting, and financial aid experience. Applicants should have experience representing his or her organization before the legislature, or a similar governmental entity, managing projects with deadlines, working collaboratively as part of a team, and leading interagency work groups.  Additionally, applicants should have the following:

  • Two years of experience; must include senior level financial aid planning and execution.
  • Two years of experience; must include direct management/supervisory experience.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with financial aid related automation and software packages.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with federal and Maryland financial aid statutory, regulatory, and programmatic provisions.

Note: Master’s degree can be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two additional years of senior level financial aid planning and execution.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education by a foreign credential evaluation service.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of all candidates’ education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position.  Therefore, it is important that applicants provide complete and accurate information related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Submit application, and cover letter/resume (in one PDF or Word document) via Jobaps. Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. Papers applications may be faxed to 410-332-0275. Questions may be directed to Mr. Greg FitzGerald at gfitzger@mhec.state.md.us

The Director of Student Financial Assistance serves at the pleasure of the Secretary of Higher Education.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees, who are reflective of the State’s diversity.




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