Director of Operations

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

ID: 7304244 (Ref.No. BSU47043)
Posted: Newly posted
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Support the Assistant Vice President/Executive Director by providing operational management for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships; work closely with the AVP, the Director of Financial Aid and the Director of Scholarships to develop office goals and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Work closely with staff to provide a robust operational environment in the daily processing of financial aid and scholarships. Maintain office policies and procedures. Directly supervise two associate directors and guide the development and maintenance of the financial aid software system (Ellucian Banner), the integration with other related systems, buildout of the data warehouse and data dashboards and guide reporting for operations and strategic planning.

Ball State University welcomes applications for our Director of Operations position. We are looking for a higher-level strategic leader to join us who will supervise the systems team and provide operational management for the Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

Job Function:

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or in lieu of Bachelor's degree, an Associate's degree with an additional three years of experience with support and maintenance of a mission-critical software system, including writing systems documentation.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree.

Minimum Experience:

At least seven years of experience in all aspects of financial aid administration. Experience as a director, associate director or assistant director with demonstrated ability to guide office operations, develop policy and procedures, supervise systems staff and guide the development of a major financial aid system (Banner).

Preferred Experience:

At least three years of direct experience supporting Ellucian Banner; including system programming, testing of software upgrades, problem resolution and strategic and ad hoc reporting. Ability to analyze, interpret and present data that impacts decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as a member of the AVP/Executive Director’s senior staff to provide leadership in the overall management and administration of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships with an emphasis on operational management and compliance.
Stay abreast of changes in financial aid regulations and emerging trends in financial aid delivery; interpret complex federal, state, institutional and private donor regulations, review guidelines and professional literature on financial aid; maintain a working knowledge of required financial aid policies and procedures through training and self-initiated research such as financial aid and Banner-related list-serve postings, Federal Student Aid, NASFAA, regulatory postings; attend trainings, conferences and webinars.
Supervise the systems team to oversee the design, update, implementation, maintenance, testing, evaluation, and documentation of the financial aid software system (Ellucian Banner); work to enhance integration with other related systems such as Blackbaud Award Management (BAM), Slate, etc.; ensure timely updates, enhance processes and support student recruitment and success.
Work with Institutional Research and Decision Support (IRDS) in the buildout of the data warehouse and data dashboards; assist in the design and display of metrics that demonstrate office successes and outcomes.
Work with systems staff to provide operational reporting to maintain compliance, enhance awarding of aid, problem solve, and provide strategic reporting. Assist in external reporting such as common dataset, national college surveys, operational support and requests from various constituents in the BSU community where appropriate.
Collaborate with OFAS leadership and other departments to develop innovative communication strategies to provide timely, pertinent information to prospective and continuing students and parents through various outreach initiatives that maximize student success.
Develop and maintain office operational calendar and policies and procedures manual. Work with all staff to coordinate timely updates to policies and procedures.
Participate on relevant interdepartmental committees on integration touch points, coordination of common processes and shared functionality; address technical and data integrity issues affecting administrative and academic departments and provide input for needed changes to relevant software or setup.
Work closely with the Director of Financial Aid and Director of Scholarships to provide timely information and training for OFAS, Cardinal Central (one-stop), Student Financial Services, Student Affairs and other essential student success areas.
Assign and review work, orient and train staff, and make recommendations in all areas related to supervision, including but not limited to interviewing and selection, compensation, discipline, performance appraisal and training and career development of personnel.
Demonstrate responsible personal and professional conduct, contributing to the overall mission and goals of the university; accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; earn trust, respect, and confidence from the university community; value open-mindedness, inclusion and help create a positive work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity; treat all others with respect; promote cooperation.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

At Ball State University, we recognize inclusive excellence as an integral endeavor to fulfill our University’s mission and our strategic plan. We recruit, support, and retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. We encourage and reward diversity of thought. We promote a work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity. We pledge to keep Inclusive Excellence at the highest level of institutional importance and as a foundation in all that we strive to do. Our over-arching goal for Inclusive Excellence is to adopt a university-wide Inclusive Excellence approach to academic, administrative support, and service functions of the university. We believe Inclusive Excellence must be infused in every step we take.

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