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PROGRAM MANAGER IV

Director of Student Financial Assistance

Recruitment #22-005479-0014

Introduction

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is seeking an experienced and energetic individual to fill the position of Program Manager IV (Director of Student Financial Assistance) in the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

 This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Secretary of Higher Education.

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy Grasmick Education Building, 6 N. Liberty Street, Ground Floor Suite, Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

This position is responsible for providing oversight, management and direction for 26 financial assistance programs totaling approximately $130 million. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  providing policy and legislative direction, conducting policy and statistical analyses for current and proposed programs, preparing budget requests and projections; directing funds management and program administration, overseeing and implementing college awareness and outreach activities, and directing the implementation of automation efforts under the current financial aid management system and the development of a new financial aid management system. This position manages a staff of 16 employees.

POSITION DUTIES

The Director of Student Financial Assistance is a member of the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s (MHEC) leadership team and leads the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). OSFA is responsible for administering the State’s financial aid programs and advising the Secretary of Higher Education, the Governor’s Office, and the General Assembly on key financial aid issues. Specific position responsibilities include:

Provide oversight, management, and direction for OSFA. This includes oversight of over twenty-five need-based, career based, merit, and loan assistance repayment programs totaling nearly $130 million annually. 

Work with the Director of Information Technology and with the Maryland Department of Information Technology to contract for development and management of a modern and effective Financial Aid Management System.

Provide oversight, management, and direction for OSFA. This includes oversight of over twenty-five need-based, career based, merit, and loan assistance repayment programs totaling nearly $130 million annually.  

Work with the Director of Information Technology and with the Maryland Department of Information Technology to contract for development and management of a modern and effective Financial Aid Management System. 

Provide oversight, management, and direction to the Program Manager and Administrative Officer on the Service Obligation and Loan Repayment System and process. 

Promulgate regulations for various state financial aid programs.  Ensure that all OSFA processes and procedures comply with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines. 

Prepare statistical reports, funding models, annual budgets, and projections for all financial aid programs to ensure sufficient appropriations and aligned expenditures; and to assist with policy development and analysis. 

Monitor program expenditures throughout the year to ensure that programs are operated without a deficit and to determine the percent of funds to be overawarded for initial awards based upon acceptance and attrition rates. 

Represent MHEC on numerous advisory boards, including the Financial Assistance Advisory Council, the Financial Education and Capability Commission, and the Workforce Shortage Advisory Council.  

Work with the Maryland State Department of Education on implementation of the Next Generation Scholars Program and the Free Application for Federal State Aid (FAFSA) Initiative.  

Work with the Director of Outreach and Grants Management to provide oversight for college awareness and outreach activities (e.g., financial aid presentations) and the development of outreach publications.  

Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to Associate Director to maintain the state financial aid. management system.

Prepare fiscal estimates and testimony for proposed legislation for the General Assembly, and represent the agency at various briefings and bill hearings.  

Provide leadership, direction, and guidance for a staff of sixteen employees.  

Develop procedures and performance standards; assist in staff development, training, and other personnel-related tasks; and continually seek to maximize staff performance through ongoing process improvement.

Complete special projects at the request of the Secretary of Higher Education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education A Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Higher Education, or another relevant major from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Eight years of experience in postsecondary education financial aid management.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader in postsecondary education with excellent communication skills, budgeting, and financial aid experience.

Applicants should have experience representing his or her organization before the legislature or a similar governmental entity, managing projects with deadlines, working collaboratively as part of a team, and leading interagency work groups. 

Additionally, applicants should have the following: 

Three years of experience which includes senior level financial aid planning and execution.  

Three years of experience which includes direct management/supervisory experience. 

Demonstrated familiarity with financial aid related automation and software packages.  

Demonstrated familiarity with federal and Maryland financial aid statutory, regulatory, and programmatic provisions.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The elvaution may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:

Department of Budget and Management

Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston Street  

Room 608

Baltimore, Maryland  21201

Recruitment#22-005479-0014

Questions may be directed to Cheryl Murphy @ cheryl.murphy1@maryland.gov.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.



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