Assistant Vice President, Student Financial Aid

Position Overview

GUIDED BY MISSION, INSPIRED TO CHANGE.

If these words speak to what you are searching for in your career, then consider this Assistant Vice President role at Marquette University, where we deliver a transformative education rooted in our Catholic, Jesuit tradition. We are guided by our mission and values – the search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others.

The Assistant Vice President, Student Financial Aid directs the offices of Student Financial Aid, Student Employment and Marquette Central. This role partners closely with colleagues, overseeing all aspects of financial aid and enrollment services for undergraduate and graduate/professional students. Responsible for assuring compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations and all effective and responsible business practices, this position advises on federal and state issues to senior leadership and represents the university on the state and federal level, as needed. The Assistant Vice President, Student Financial Aid proactively employs best practices in aid leveraging and modeling to shape an increasingly competitive undergraduate class, and supports the enrollment and retention of undergraduate and graduate/professional students through an exemplary student services model.

In our collaborative environment, this leadership role and our talented team meet the challenges of the moment as the landscape of financial aid and higher education becomes increasingly dynamic. With backing throughout the university respecting these unique challenges, this team manages financial aid’s inherent complexities and pressures — together with colleagues across the university — to serve students and uphold Marquette’s mission and goals.
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead an exceptional financial aid team — one that can take pride year-over-year in successfully serving our students.


MARQUETTE INVESTS IN EMPLOYEES.

Marquette University is deeply rooted in the Jesuit tenet of cura personalis — “care for the whole person.” We embrace and foster a supportive, inclusive and engaging environment where employees are empowered to reach their full potential. Our robust and holistic Total Rewards offerings include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as a 403(b) plan with up to an 8% match. Supporting our employees’ family and work-life flexibility, we offer five weeks’ time off, on-site childcare, and tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependent children. Our campus experience provides ample opportunities to develop professionally and personally and to engage in our community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and visionary leadership and management for the offices of Student Financial Aid, Student Employment and Marquette Central, ensuring high quality customer service.
• Supervise staff, which includes but is not limited to hiring, terming, disciplinary actions, performance management, staff development, etc.
• Work closely with leadership to establish effective financial aid policies, practices and communication strategies to help ensure recruitment, retention and net tuition revenue goals are met.
• Oversee the management of federal, state, private and institutional financial aid funds.
• Work collaboratively with on- and off-campus partners, building strong, transparent relationships and representing the Office of Student Financial Aid at state, regional, and national conferences and policy meetings. Act as a leading campus advocate for the value and importance of financial aid.
• Proactively use technology to improve processes and office efficiency.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations and university policies and procedures, including the A-133 annual financial aid audit. Oversee reporting to internal and external constituencies (FISAP, IPEDS, Common Data Set, etc.).
• Manage departmental operating budget to ensure cost effective measures are taken and expenditures are within established limitations.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Proven leadership effectiveness and expertise in financial aid. At least 10 years of progressively responsible and complex student financial aid and customer service-related experiences, utilizing an understanding of best practices nationally. At least five years at a senior level, preferably within an operation focused on strategic enrollment management, one-stop customer service model, and experience with graduate and professional programs and schools.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to be articulate and persuasive in communicating with both internal and external audiences, including faculty, trustees, alumni, parents, prospective students, guidance counselors and legislators
• Strong analytic skills
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Supervisory experience with track record of effective group management
• Leadership vision with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style
• Experience in developing financial aid models in support of strategic enrollment management
• Expert-level knowledge of Title IV Federal Student Aid programs, polices and regulations
• Demonstrated experience with scholarship management best practices, FERPA, NCAA Division I Bylaws, external compliance audits and veterans benefits
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft Campus Solutions or a similar student information system and other related technologies
• Ability and willingness to travel, as required

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• FAAC (certified financial aid administrator)
• NASFAA credentials
• Willingness to embrace the University’s mission and values. A strong grasp and support for the central ethos of Jesuit Catholic education, mission and character.

Department Office of the Provost