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Staff Specialist IV - Higher Education

Associate Director of Student Financial Assistance

Recruitment #15-000303-0001

Introduction

Associate Director of Student Financial Assistance

Staff Specialist IV – Higher Education (0303)

Maryland Higher Education Commission

GRADE

20

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy Grasmick Education Building,

6 N Liberty Street, 10th FL

Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Associate Director is a member of the management team for the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission.  The position will provide professional services, including directing the day-to-day operations, overseeing the external audit process, and serving as the technical lead for the unit.  The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

POSITION DUTIES

  • Assist in the oversight, management, and direction of OSFA.  This includes oversight of the day-to-day operations of over twenty need-based, merit, and loan assistance repayment programs totaling an appropriation in excess of $100 million annually.  Operational functions include a high volume of calls, email communications and document processing.
  • Serve as the lead in managing the department’s application and processing system (MDCAPS) to include awarding, development of documents related to the use and maintenance of systems; recommends modifications and new functionality to systems; identifies technology enhancement projects and participates in development, testing and implementing a variety of software.
  • Serve as the lead in OSFA’s external audit verification process of need-based awards on college and university campuses.
  • In collaboration with the Director, provide leadership, direction, and guidance for a staff of thirteen employees in a lead worker capacity.  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.
  • Works with the Director and staff in the Office of Outreach and Grants Management in promoting financial aid resources to students, parents, and the financial aid community.
  • Make presentations on financial aid at college nights or financial aid workshops, as needed. 
  • Complete special projects at the direction of the Director and Secretary of Higher Education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Possession of a doctoral degree.

Experience: Five years of administrative or teaching experience in post-secondary education programs.

Note: Two additional years of experience in post-secondary education may be substituted for the doctoral degree.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be an experienced manager with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university and should have at least five years of experience working in a fast-paced, results driven, operational environment.  Applicants should possess financial aid management experience and excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience supervising staff, managing projects with deadlines, working collaboratively as part of a team and leading work groups. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which 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. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

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

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 gregory.fitzgerald@maryland.gov  

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

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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