Associate Vice President of Enrollment Planning and Management/Executive Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Position Title:

Compensation:

Department:

About this opportunity:

What you'll do and what you'll bring:

Position Function:

Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment and Planning Management, the Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all need-based and merit-based aid programs. This senior leader partners with university stakeholders to develop data-informed fund utilization strategies that advance enrollment goals while ensuring a seamless, student-centered experience. The successful candidate will foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, balancing high-level vision with administrative excellence to support Ball State University's mission.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Responsible for the integrity of all financial aid programs. The AVP will create and update policies and procedures to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance, and all federal and state reporting and reconciliation is complete. Provide leadership as it relates to the impact of federal, state, and institutional financial aid budgeting decisions. The AVP will remain current on all regional and national financial rules, regulations, policies, and trends, and on financial aid best practices.

2. Establish and execute policies and procedures to support the objectives, goals, and priorities of the EPM Division and the University Strategic Plan. The AVP will collaborate and develop strong working relationships with the EPM Leadership Team and other campus partners to help Ball State reach enrollment and retention goals through financial aid optimization, including but not limited to discount rate and net tuition revenue. The AVP will meet with campus partners regularly and serve on institutional committees to resolve issues and proactively work towards greater cross campus efficiencies to ensure full compliance and greater customer care.

3. Serve as an administrator within the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management, as a member of the EPM Leadership Team contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and institutional decision-making.

4. Lead and oversee the preparation and submission of all required reporting and audits (FISAP, A-133) and ensure the federal program participation agreement remains current and in effect; work with staff to develop reports to support daily operations and that provide insights and can guide strategy.

5. In collaboration with, and at the discretion of, the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, perform divisional responsibilities associated with division, university, and Board of Trustees priorities, including strategic planning initiatives and expected outcomes

6. Collaborate with the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, the EPM Leadership Team, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Student Financial Services, and other campus units to ensure the effective delivery of services that support student recruitment, retention, and success.

7. With the approval of the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, develop, manage, and maintain the Financial Aid and Scholarships unit budget. The AVP will review income and expense reports, approve expenditures, and prepare reports that support accountability, transparency, and understanding of the value and impact of Financial Aid and Scholarships, including justification for continued or additional funding.

8. Propose strategic goals and direction for the Financial Aid and Scholarships unit aligned with the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management and the Ball State University Strategic Plan for approval by the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management. The AVP will communicate approved goals and plans to staff and ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of all unit services.

9. Provide leadership and supervision for unit staff by assigning and reviewing work; orienting and training employees; and making recommendations related to personnel matters, including interviewing and selection, compensation, discipline, performance evaluation, and professional development.

10. Demonstrate responsible personal and professional conduct that supports the mission, goals, and presidential priorities of Ball State University. The AVP will accept responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; build trust and credibility with colleagues; promote open-mindedness and collaboration; foster a positive work environment; and treat others with respect.

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, collaboration and management skills; ability to manage multiple projects/initiatives and deadlines; understanding and capacity to manage confidential information effectively; thorough knowledge and understanding of federal and state aid regulations and requirements; excellent computer skills. Ability to analyze data, think critically, problem-solve creatively, and make data informed decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher from an accredited institution.

• Eight years or more of experience in the financial aid profession. Direct and in-depth experience in the management of financial aid leveraging; direct and in-depth budget management experience; five years of experience in higher education enrollment management at a mid-size or large public university with increasing responsibilities. Participation in state, regional, and/or national financial aid professional organizations.

How to apply:

Search Committee Chair: Paula Luff, pcluff@bsu.edu

Required Documents: Cover letter, resume, and list of references

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.