Assistant Director, Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official

Assistant Director for Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official

Job Summary

The salary range for this role is $55,000-$60,000 and is commensurate with experience. Illinois Tech Student Financial Services strives to educate, empower, and support students with an understanding of Financial options and resources in an approachable environment. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Services, the Assistant Director for Student Services & Veteran School Certifying Official is a key leader of the Financial Aid Office and a member of the enrollment management team, providing leadership on the student experience, particularly as it relates to veteran student needs, along with support for all aspects of the student experience related to Financial aid and veteran benefit processing.

Responsibilities

• Services Counsel students (in person, virtually, over phone, and email) on all aspects of the financial aid process, including FAFSA completion, cost of attendance, awarding of federal funds, loan borrowing and management, financial hardship situations, etc.
• Serve as member of counseling team to support student appointments (in-person & virtual) and walk-in needs.
• Assist in the direction of student inquiries to other staff as needed and provide leadership to the counseling staff for escalation needs.
• Meet with students in a co-terminal program to ensure aid receipt based on enrollment is understood so students can plan course schedule accordingly.
• In support of the Director of Financial Aid Services, provide escalation assistance for all service needs with a solution mindset to support the student experience and positive team culture.

Percentage of Time

• 25%: Services
• 20%: Operations Process
• 35%: Veterans
• 10%: Compliance
• 5%: Leadership
• 5%: Events

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in veterans affairs, financial aid, admissions, or enrollment services.
• Military Veteran or knowledge of military experience, benefits, and transcripts is beneficial.

Knowledge & Skills

• Exercises great attention to detail utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt in a high pace environment.
• Must keep abreast of changes with Federal Student Aid and Veterans/ Military benefits programs.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects and coordinate with collaborators simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability and experience to handle complex and sensitive issues.
• Strong written and verbal communications with proven ability to maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external constituents in order to provide support for the office and the students it serves required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment.
• Excellent commitment to diversity and to service the needs of a diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently.
• Works well in translating financial aid requirements into operational activities supporting overall enrollment efforts.
• Influences management by supplying key data that assists in decision making.
• Physical Environment and Requirements: Office environment; must be able to sit at computer for long periods of time.
• List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred. N/A

Benefits

Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: https://www.iit.edu/hr/benefits

Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students, including in-person and virtual advising, presentations, email, and phone outreach. Customer Service Excellent customer service required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students. Broad knowledge of university functions and depth of Financial aid requirements necessary to cultivate relationships with students and across campus. The ability to maintain student confidentiality is essential in this position.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in veterans affairs, financial aid, admissions, or enrollment services. Military Veteran or knowledge of military experience, benefits, and transcripts is beneficial.