Wilkes University invites qualified applicants for the newly created Associate Director for Systems and Data Management position in the Student Financial Services office.

This position is a member of the senior management team within the Student Financial Services office and will lead projects and daily workflow related to technical operations, processing, systems integration and reporting. The Associate Director is responsible for managing and implementing various system and process projects and provides recommendations on enhancements that will streamline financial aid processes. The position will manage special projects that require communication and data exchange across various departments, including admissions, financial aid, ITS, registrar, bursar and marketing. This role requires a blend of student financial aid functional knowledge, programming, and technical expertise, data analysis skills, and an ability to provide technical training for various software systems used in the office.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Manage efficient and effective operation of systems involved with service, processing, and reporting for scholarships and student financial aid programs.
• Lead day-to-day systems operations, providing technical support for the timely awarding, auditing and reconciling of financial aid awards by assisting the director with the management of the financial aid production processes, including mass/auto packaging, award & tracking letter production, importing/exporting ISIRs from CPS and files related to the origination and disbursing of federal aid from COD, ensuring compliance and promoting the enrollment and retention objectives of the University.
• application, awarding and disbursement of federal state and institutional financial aid funds and the Return of Title IV funds.
• Ensure all forms of technology are well utilized and maintained, while also developing automated system enhancements to improve efficiency.
• Manage special projects that require cross communication and data exchange across various departments, including admissions, financial aid, ITS, registrar, bursar and marketing.
• Assist in managing user permissions, data integrity, and error resolution for data pertaining to prospective, applicant, and admitted students; monitors daily data imports and exports to admissions CRM (Slate)
• Work with financial aid staff to analyze and implement technological needs; provide progressive technological training to staff.
• Assist in development of quality control rules and reports.
• In coordination with the Information Technology Services (ITS) department, oversee the technical processes related to the utilization of the Ellucian Banner ERP financial aid module and other related software.
• Provide electronic file maintenance, query and report development, system parameters, and system maintenance.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of guidance governing Federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs.
• Assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and consistency in awarding financial aid.
• Assist in the monthly and yearly fund reconciliation and reporting for federal programs, private student loans, and state program.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's preferred
• 2 years of professional work experience in financial aid, enrollment services, operations or IT
• Experience with Ellucian Banner ERP; Direct experience working with Financial Aid module preferred.
• Proficient or strong familiarity with writing SQL. Familiarity with HTML and Liquid Markup preferred.
• Healthy blend of student financial aid functional knowledge, database, and technical expertise.
• Systems and process oriented.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and expert level proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Knowledge of Technolutions Slate preferred.
• Comfort with and ability to quickly adopt new technologies and systems.
• Proven ability to analyze and use data to solve challenges and answer questions.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with outsourced vendors and other partners.
• Customer Service/Financial Aid Counseling Experience (working with diverse populations/possess excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills) preferred
• Knowledge of Financial Aid/Processing Verification (Federal, State, Institutional guidelines/regulations) preferred
• Experience with administration and working with Title IV aid including, but not limited to Pell and SEOG as well as reconciliation a plus.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,350 students at the undergraduate level and over 1,350 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels.

Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city that is located on the lovely Susquehanna River and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

To apply, visit https://wilkesuniversitycareers.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please be sure to include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae and three references.

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.