Thank you for considering Roger Williams University in your search.

About Roger Williams University:
Roger Williams University, located on the coast of Bristol, R.I., is a forward-thinking private university with 45 undergraduate majors spanning the liberal arts and the professions, where students become community-minded citizens through project-based, experiential learning. With small classes, direct access to faculty and boundless opportunity for real-world projects, RWU students develop the ability to think critically while simultaneously building the practical skills that today's employers demand. In the two years since launching its signature Affordable Excellence initiative, the University has established itself as a leader in American higher education by confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families - increasing costs that limit access to college, rising debt and the job readiness of graduates. In addition to its 4,000 undergraduates, RWU is home to more than a dozen graduate programs, a thriving School of Continuing Studies based in Providence as well as Rhode Island's only law school.

Roger Williams University is committed to creating and supporting an intellectual community devoted to teaching and learning and providing the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth for students, faculty and staff. The University credits much of its growth and success to the hard work and dedication of its employees.

Job Description:
Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, the Associate Director of Financial Aid, Systems and Operations is responsible for the administration of a complex financial aid program with a primary focus on the day-to-day oversight and management of the PowerFAIDS and Colleague financial aid module, funding, and application accounting.  The Associate Director will develop efficient systems, manage workload to assure the needs of each student are met in a timely fashion, and assure exceptional customer service to current and prospective RWU families and students

Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to:

• Financial Aid Program Awards -
  a.  Develop a compliant disbursement plan in conjunction with the
       University's Graduate and Undergraduate, Continuing Studies,
       and School of Law enrollment goals;
  b.  Interview and counsel students and parents regarding financial aid
       programs as well as make recommendations and referrals to other
       University personnel such as Admissions;
  c.  Perform needs analysis on student applications, construct financial
       aid packages, and authorize program disbursements;
  d.  Interface with guidance counselors and community service
       organizations to provide a timely and accurate flow of financial aid
       information to potential applicants;
  e.  Award endowed scholarship funds under the direction of the
       Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and the
       Development Office of the School of Law;
  f.   Review financial aid appeals regarding loans and has the authority
       to make changes to award amounts within set limits.
   
• Policy and Program Administration -
  a.  Formulate, implement, review, and evaluate policies, procedures,
       and standards to ensure departmental compliance with Financial Aid
       guidelines and objectives;
  b.  Interface with other appropriate institutional departments to
       coordinate programs, services, and policies;
  c.  Administer and conduct ongoing statistical reviews and reconciliation
       of all financial aid programs;
  d.  Forecast spending trends and make appropriate recommendations
       to modify spending rates according to budget allocations
  e.  Assist in the preparation of department operating budgets, statistical
       reports, and complex funding applications;
  f.   Assist the Information Technology Department with the
       implementation, modification, and/or refinement of the applicable
       data processing system;
  g.  Train Financial Aid and other related RWU staff to understand and
       use the Colleague system while maintaining expertise in the ongoing
       development and maintenance of the department's policy,
       procedure, and processing manual.      
   
• Staff Management -
  a.  Select, supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff.
   
• Events and Outreach-
  a.  Assist with and participate in on-campus events that require
       financial expertise such as Accepted Students Days, Orientations,
       Open Houses, etc.;
  b.  Prepare materials and present information for the designated
       events. 
  c.  Maintain current information on the department website.

In addition, the Associate Director will participate in department meetings and committees.

Requirements:
A Bachelor's degree in Finance or a related field is required as well as 5 - 7 years of administrative financial aid experience.  A minimum of 2 years supervisory experience is a must.  In addition, the successful candidate will have expert and proven knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid with a strong background in compliance administration to include internal and federal audits.  Candidates must be proficient in the use of automated Financial Aid systems with expertise in both PowerFaids and the Colleague Financial Aid module as a "super-user" as well as demonstrate experience with COD and NSLDS.  The successful candidate must possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills across varied audiences such as students, parents, alumni, and staff as well as strong organizational and planning skills. A minimum requirement is intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.  This position requires some work nights and/or weekends and some travel both inside and outside of Rhode Island.

A Master's degree in Educational Administration, Student Personnel, or Business Administration is preferred.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:
Roger Williams University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive excellence and encourages applications from underrepresented populations.

Application Instructions:
Please apply online at http://rwu.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=70229 and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references.