Associate Vice Provost for Student Financial Services

Associate Vice Provost For Student Financial Services

The associate vice provost will be responsible for assuring compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations and all effective and responsible business practices; provide information and support on federal and state issues to the Office of the President, the general counsel, the Vice President for SEM and will represent the University on the state and federal level when called upon; lead proactively, employing leveraging and accessing financial aid models to shape an increasingly competitive undergraduate applicant pool and supporting enrollment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students with an exemplary student service model; create and support financial literacy initiatives to educate the financial services team, students, families and other important constituents within the campus community; and supervise a staff of approximately 21 full-time positions, including professional and support staff. This leader will have not only a curiosity that inspires innovation but also the analytical and intellectual abilities to evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid and student accounts policies and procedures created to support student enrollment and success. The associate vice provost will have superior communication skills, including strong listening skills and the ability to make connections across the University in order to promote open dialogue and the sharing of information to promote common goals. The associate vice provost will lead a campus team that is collaborative, committed and supportive, operating with a strong sense of mission, community and purpose. USF needs a compelling advocate for liberal arts and sciences and professional studies who is able to appreciate its identity as a leading Jesuit Catholic urban university and communicate the University's fundamental values, including a focus on student success, diversity and civic and community engagement. USF needs a leader in student financial services who is experienced in leading conversations with students and families who are increasingly assessing the cost and affordability of private higher education.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Leading USF in the development of a creative 21st century financial aid program to enhance communication around financial aid, verification, scholarship and loan procedures;
• Supporting the acquisition and implementation of new systems, tools and technology to empower financial aid and student accounts in optimizing operations that include responsiveness to meet both the financial aid and literacy needs of current and new students;
• Analyze quantitative data with an experienced eye to shape strategic directions with integrity;
• Communicate effectively and build multifaceted educational forums on campus and in the community to translate language of financial aid policies, procedures and knowledge to students and families;
• Assess and reassess regularly the effectiveness of USF policies around financial aid programs and make appropriate adjustments to lead an effort that is proactive and responsive to market forces and University needs;
• Assure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations and effective and efficient management of all University, state and federal student aid programs;
• Serve as a public face of and a key spokesperson for the University and maintain excellent relationships in state and national conversations on student financial aid needs and the changing post-secondary education environment at professional meetings and consortia.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities

• Proven effectiveness and expertise in financial aid: Expertise in creating systems to enhance student service in student financial services; Significant experience participating in leadership and management within student financial services; the University seeks a leader who shows genuine enjoyment in leading the student financial services function which supports the institutional goals and objectives; and an understanding of best practices nationally in the dynamic and changing landscape that directs state and federal funding.
• Analytical strength: Experience in developing financial aid models in support of strategic enrollment management; the capacity for analytical thinking and ability to consider broadly the impact of admissions and financial aid outcomes on the University as a whole; proven experience in managing complex budgets; and experience in assessment of effectiveness of financial aid funding models.
• Willingness to embrace the University's mission and values: A strong grasp and support for the central ethos of Jesuit Catholic education, mission and character; and the ability to advocate effectively for it; and the personal and intellectual qualities expected of members of the University community.
• Vision, leadership, and communication skills: Vision for the future of student financial services at USF; highly attuned understanding of motivation; and the capacity to work effectively with those who have an interest in the process of attracting, shaping and retaining USF student body.
• Inclusive leadership style: Empower seasoned and new staff to execute decisions with good judgment and responsiveness; support the already excellent synergy and cohesive working relationship that exists between student accounts and financial aid; readiness to be part of the Strategic Enrollment Management's senior team; and ability to act as an expert in student financial services, leading community-wide conversations and working in unison to execute the vision of University leadership.
• Technological sophistication: The ability to understand the potential value of technological innovations and to lead the process of harnessing emerging technologies for best use within all student financial service and strategic enrollment management functions.
• Exceptional personal qualities: Superb interpersonal and communication skills; an ability to join in partnership with colleagues, faculty, students, parents, alumni and trustees to advance the enrollment effort; articulateness; student-centered; a sense of mission and engagement; honesty and candor; a personal presence that is warm, active and engaged; exhibits resilience and a positive attitude; and a sense of humor.
• Credentials: Graduate degree is strongly preferred; the successful candidate should have a record of progressively responsible and complex student financial services related experiences and at least five years at a senior level leading this unit, preferably within an operation focused on strategic enrollment management.

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full time

Pay Rate: Salary

Salary Range: $170,000 - 190,000 annualized; commensurate with experience