Assistant Program Manager

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Program Specialist (Assistant Program Manager) serves as a primary lead for the oversight and administration of specific federal, state, or institutional programs as assigned. This position is designed to be dynamic, with specific programmatic responsibilities (such as Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Michigan Competitive Scholarship, or Return to Title IV) determined based on current operational needs or departmental gaps. The Specialist manages day-to-day operations, ensures strict regulatory compliance, and maintains a high level of service consistent with the mission of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Responsibilities*

Program Administration & Compliance

• Lead Oversight: Manage one or more assigned federal, state, private, or institutional programs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all program activities adhere to federal and state regulations as well as University policies.
• Operational Processing: Transmit files between the Department of Education and the University, and resolve processing issues or rejects for federal disbursement records and state awarding rosters.
• Reconciliation: Responsible for monthly program reconciliation in coordination with Financial Services.
• Monitoring & Adjustments: Perform transfer monitoring and review over-award/compliance reports, making necessary adjustments to student records.

Financial Counseling & Eligibility

• Need Analysis: Evaluate family financial strength by analyzing complex tax returns, income sources, and assets to determine aid eligibility.
• Professional Judgment: Exercise discretion to adjust data elements based on extenuating circumstances while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Client Support:

• Serve as the primary contact for students and staff regarding program-specific issues, including resolving disbursement barriers like loan counseling or Master Promissory Note (MPN) imports.

Strategic Operations & Leadership

• Process Improvement: Assist in developing and implementing new procedures, manuals, and forms.
• Systems Integration: Work with FA leadership to establish priorities for Banner (SIS) enhancements to improve processing efficiency.
• Professional Representation: Maintain involvement in professional organizations (MSFAA, NASFAA, etc.) and represent the University at conferences.

Required Qualifications*

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in financial aid, IT, or a related field.
• Experience working with and a commitment to serving diverse populations.

Technical Skills

• High-level ability to collect, compile, and analyze data to produce reports.
• Candidates must not be in default or overpayment on any Title IV Federal Programs.

Soft Skills

• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively resolve complex problems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset and a focus on excellent customer service.

Desired Qualifications*

Education & Experience

• Knowledge of Title IV federal regulations.

Technical Skills

• Extensive experience with integrated database systems, specifically Ellucian, Banner and ImageNow document imaging.

Why Work at U-M Dearborn?

The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a vibrant and diverse community, centrally located within one of America's largest business regions. The area provides a variety of urban, suburban, and rural environments within a reasonable commute, including Detroit, its suburbs, and Ann Arbor.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a comprehensive benefits package, effective on your first day to help you and your family stay well, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, along with prescription drug plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility from the UM Human Resources Benefits and Wellness webpage.

Additional UM-Dearborn benefits include:

• Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement. Learn more about the tuition reimbursement policy.
• Eligible UM-Dearborn dependents may receive a 50% tuition and fees scholarship towards undergraduate courses. Learn more about the Dependent Tuition Scholarship from the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships webpage.
• No charge for all faculty and staff parking permits. Learn more from the Parking Transportation webpage.

Information about our mission, values and leadership can be found at:

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Additional Information

Candidates must be able to be lawfully employed in the United States; sponsorship to obtain such status is not available at this time.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.