Opportunity

Champlain College
Director of Financial Aid
Burlington, VT

Champlain College
Director of Financial Aid

Champlain College invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of Financial Aid. The position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Advising & Registration, and is responsible for providing the overall direction and management of the Financial Aid Office. The position is responsible for managing the financial aid programs and participates in the formulation, implementation and assessment of financial aid and enrollment strategies. The Director also serves as a member of the enrollment management task force to assist in developing, monitoring, and implementing best practices related to scholarship allocation and financial aid processing.

Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a private, baccalaureate institution located in the picturesque Hill Section of Burlington, Vermont, which is consistently ranked as one of the country's most livable small cities. Champlain College's signature entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to relevant professional preparation, nationally-acclaimed innovative curriculum and tradition of working with students individually has resulted in tremendous growth and recognition as one of "Top Up-and-Coming Schools" in U.S. News & World Report's 2010 edition of "America's Best Colleges."

The college has an institution-wide commitment to inclusion, diversity and community. Champlain actively engages in recruiting a diverse student body by servicing members of historically underrepresented groups. Creative institutional scholarship programs strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment by providing innovative and creative financial support. Scholarships for First Generation, Single Parent and New Americans are a few examples of the institutional commitment.

The Director of Financial Aid oversees a staff of 6 full and 1 part time direct reports. Primary responsibilities include:

• Ensure compliance with Federal Title IV and state regulations
• Oversee the administration of all federal, state and institutional aid programs
• Package and award financial aid to accomplish enrollment goals
• Manage the financial aid office budget
• Monitors student financial aid budget in line with College-approved expenditure levels
• Identify and implement department goals
• Create and maintain rules in Datatel Colleague to achieve the goals of batch packaging
• Manage, train, and supervise staff
• Maintain the Financial Aid Policy and Procedures manual
• Counsel students and parents regarding financial aid issues
• Ensure effective and accurate transmission of financial aid data and information to campus offices and outside vendors
• Complete the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP)

The successful candidate will have a proven record of success in strong financial management, data analysis, reporting, supervisory, counseling and team building skills. In addition, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations/programs; work closely with the Office of Enrollment and Student Life in addressing student and family financial concerns. The Director must have the intellectual vision and energy to work effectively and collaboratively with all parts of the College community.

A bachelor’s degree, masters preferred plus five years of progressively responsible experience at the Director or Assistant Director level, with experience drawn from higher education is required. The candidate must possess the ability to provide strong leadership and management experience in a complex higher education environment. Experience with Datatel Colleague preferred.

Interested individuals should send a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and contact information including email addresses for five references. The packet should be sent electronically (Microsoft Word attachments preferred) to leadership@wspelman.com. The subject line in the email should be DFAChamplain. Documents that must be mailed should be sent to William Spelman Executive Search, Stony Point Landing, 667 Midship Circle, Webster, NY 14580.

Confidential inquiries will be received at 585.366.4329. Confidentiality will be maintained, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge or approval of the candidate. For full consideration, all materials should be received by July 23, 2010. The process will continue until the position is filled.

Champlain College values, supports, and encourages diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of students, faculty, and staff. Champlain College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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