UWM and Milwaukee have it all. Join the UWM family and the Milwaukee community and grow professionally and personally in your career and life. As the most diverse institution in the University of Wisconsin System, we're a learning destination for nearly 28,000 students. First-generation college students arrive here straight from high school, or years later – after starting families, changing careers or serving in the military. We make learning accessible at every age, stage of life and location. At UWM, we all share the motivation to learn and to excel. We value unique perspectives and possess the talent and desire to nurture ideas that make global impact. The comforts and connections of a major metropolitan city meet the resources and expertise of a world-class research institution at UW-Milwaukee.
Position: The Director of Financial Aid has the overall responsibility for directing the Financial Aid Office. The individual in this position will guide staff in the planning and delivery of programs providing essential financial aid services to students, faculty, staff and other administrative offices and provide enforcement of all UW-Milwaukee and UW System policy and procedures. As a key member of both the Enrollment Management and the Division of Student Affairs leadership teams, the Director of Financial Aid will provide strong leadership consistent with the mission and strategic enrollment goals of the institution. The Director of Financial Aid must be a visionary leader committed to creating systems of positive, seamless and knowledgeable communication and constituency service; enhancing services in response to faculty and student needs; and employing emerging technology to enhance the efficiency, convenience and accuracy in support of the enrollment management and planning process. As a member of the Enrollment Management (EM) unit, the Director will work collaboratively with the other functional departments in EM, while directing 33 professionals, 8 graduate assistants and 20 student employees. The director is also responsible for instilling a culture of continuous improvement and developing a positive working climate. The Director will manage total budgets of almost $208 million which include: an operational base budget of $1.33 million with additional operating resources from $309,000 in federal administrative allowances; and the department oversees campus work-study of $1.12 million and financial aid of $204.87 million (Federal and Lawton loans and scholarships).
Minimum qualifications: A master’s degree or an equivalent advanced degree plus a history of progressively significant leadership roles in financial aid within higher educational settings.
Preferred qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate:
• leadership and commitment to the academic mission of the University and the strategic outcomes of the Division;
• knowledge of current enrollment management philosophies, trends and strategies;
• past successful collaborations with internal and external constituencies;
• experience working effectively and respectfully in a culturally diverse and ethnically rich environment;
• a record of superb managerial skills and integrity;
• ability to communicate vision and values to many audiences;
• in-depth knowledge of financial aid practices within higher education;
• ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply federal, state regulations and institutional policies to administrative actions and decisions;
• ability to build stronger, more efficient financial aid application, award, disbursement and reconciliation processes using integrated student financial aid systems and/or student information systems;
• the core values of the division found at http://www.aux.uwm.edu/studentaffairs/pages/home/essential-piece.php.
Application: Applications received after January 15, 2015 may not receive consideration. The initial screening of applicants will begin January 16, 2015 and continue until a qualified candidate is hired. Applicants must apply online directly to the UWM Employment Quick Link Posting at http://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/21024. Completed application materials must include a letter of application addressing educational and professional level work experience and knowledge as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications as listed above, a professional resume; and the names and contact information for three professional references.
Contact Information: Nominations or confidential inquiries about this position may be addressed to the Chair of the UWM Search and Screen Committee,
Kelly Haag at 414-229-4059 or send an email to kajohnso@uwm.edu.
Type of Appointment: Full-time limited appointment that offers WRS benefits located at https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/summaries/fasl.pdf. The working title for this position is Director of Financial Aid and the official UW System title is
Director, Unspecified (9). The salary for this position is negotiable and depends on the experience and educational background of the applicants.
Under Wisconsin’s open records law, requests for confidentiality will be honored, except that names and titles of the finalists must be disclosed. Employment will require a criminal back-ground check and degree confirmation. For the UWM Campus Security Report & Policy see www.cleryact.uwm.edu or call the Dean of Students Office at (414) 229-4632 for a copy.
UWM is an AA/EO employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability,
or protected veteran status.