Director of Financial Aid (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The approved salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $130,000 - $155,000.

The initial review for this position will be on or around October 1st, 2024.

To be considered complete, the application package must contain a Statement of Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion Statement. This statement should be attached to your resume/CV. For mroe information in writing this statement, please refer to https://hr.ucmerced.edu/hr-units/talent-acquisition/contributions-diversity-statement

This position is approved for Hybrid work modality and may work remotely up to 2 days per week (maximum). Since the position plays a significant role in the campus culture, the incumbant is expected to beocme an engaged member of the campus community.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The role of Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UC Merced is an administrative staff position that currently reports to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. In this capacity, the director plays a crucial role in shaping campus financial aid policies and developing strategies for the efficient utilization of funds. These efforts are geared towards advancing the University's strategic enrollment goals for student recruitment and retention.

This position carries the responsibility of overseeing the accurate and timely administration of myriad financial aid programs, ensuring strict adherence to federal, state, UC system, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to provide effective leadership, aligning with the Enrollment Management division's commitment to delivering transformational support for student success through our quality service standards of Care, Guidance, Access, and Efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Advances the departmental mission of providing accessible and inclusive financial aid, student support, and financial wellness services that promote student recruitment, retention, and benefits beyond degree completion to ensure that a world-class education is an affordable reality.
2. Ensures compliance with federal, state, University, agency regulations in accordance with financial aid policies and programs.
3. Collaborates with Enrollment Management Directors to plan enrollment and retention efforts, including reviewing data analytics, developing recruitment strategies, planning Admission's regional receptions, coordinating anti-melt efforts, strategic communications, marketing, and outreach.
4. Collaborates with the UC Office of the President Student Financial Support staff, other UC Financial Aid Directors, and UCDC Government Relations staff on regulatory updates and UC policies. Advise the Vice Chancellor on operational and regulatory changes, personnel matters, and departmental needs. ]
6. Manages departmental HR-related activities, such as creating Job Descriptions, initiating recruitment requests and market equity reviews, hiring decisions, retention offers, STAR Award nominations, performance actions, and timesheet approvals.
7. Collaborates with the IT Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Institutional Research and Decisions Support (IRDS), and the Financial Aid Leadership Team to safeguard the security and privacy of confidential financial aid information, following FERPA, HEA, Federal Privacy Act, Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLBA), California Ed Code, and UC policies.
8. Oversees effective funds management activities including reconciliation activities, FISAP, operational budget, FWS and LAEP program administration.
9. Reviews and approves the campus' annual University Student Aid Program (USAP) self-help expectation for award packaging.
10. Oversees the administration of institutional and external scholarships and their coordination with other aid. This includes working closely with the Development Office on Gift Agreements language and donor relations.
11. Coordinates and/or participates in the review and response to annual financial aid audits.
12. Develops the Financial Aid Annual Report and Assessments.
13. Disseminates timely updates to departmental staff and schedules monthly all-staff meetings. Identifies and approves staff development and training opportunities. Represents UC Merced OFAS on both systemwide and campus-wide committees.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution; and/or
• Advanced degree in related area from an accredited institution (preferred); and Experience
• 7 years of experience as a permanent Financial Aid Director, Deputy Director; and/or
• As an Associate Director at a university of similar size and scope (or larger and more complex); and
• Experience as a Director, Deputy Director, and/or Associate Director in the UC System (preferred).
• owledge, Skills and Abilities - Positio
• Comprehensive working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, needs analysis, and packaging.
• Advanced knowledge of strategies for recruitment and retention of students using financial aid award packaging.
• Experience with managing staff including staff development and training, and HR-related actions.
• Advanced interpersonal skills including how to foster strong collaboration with other departments and executive leadership.
• Advanced customer service orientation.
• Experience with analyzing regulatory guidance, effectively communicating, collaborating, and implementing new processes to comply with that guidance.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.