Department: Kellogg Admissions and Fin Aid
Salary/Grade: EXS/10
Job Summary:
Are you looking to grow your career in Higher Education? Are you seeking an opportunity to blend your financial aid experience with your passion for data analytics and superior customer service? The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, based in Evanston, is looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to lead the Financial Aid office.
The Director of Financial Aid for the Kellogg School of Management MBA programs:
Serves as an active member of the Admissions and Financial Aid leadership team, overseeing all Financial Aid activities and providing strategic direction and leadership to yield the best and brightest Kellogg candidates.
Leads and supervises the Financial Aid team (substantial team leadership is a must) for Kellogg's Full-Time and Executive MBA programs.
Provides sophisticated team leadership, be a prudent risk taker who is results-oriented, with a strong appetite for data and analytics as a driver of both conventional and cutting-edge methods to achieve enrollment objectives.
Responsible for accurate and timely delivery of financial aid and scholarship information to internal and external constituents.
Partners with a broad range of key stakeholders at Kellogg and Northwestern University including Admissions, Corporate Partnerships, Student Affairs, the Career Management Center, Academic Experience, Advancement, IMC, along with students and alumni, to achieve objectives.
Serves as the department's subject matter expert through interpretation and adherence to federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations and required procedures associated with compliance.
Supervise the team responsible for federal and private student loan eligibility determination, the reconciliation process, financial aid packaging and ensures timely delivery of award notifications.
Under the overarching authority of the central Financial Aid Office and the University Director of Financial Aid, serves as Kellogg's representative to ensure compliance with Federal Direct Student Loan regulations for Kellogg.
Reports to the Kellogg Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.
In addition to joining a collaborative and hard-working team that values strong relationships, Northwestern employees take advantage of excellent healthcare and retirement benefits as well as generous paid time off. If you feel this could be a great career match, apply today!
Specific Responsibilities:
Scholarship Deployment:
- Develop and execute the yield strategy for the FT and Executive MBA programs at the Kellogg School of Management.
- Partners with the Sr. Directors of the FT and Executive MBA programs:
- Develop and implement strategic yield strategies.
- Establish a multi-faceted approach, leveraging new technologies and analytics.
- Design and deliver an integrated program to support candidate's decision to choose to attend Kellogg vs. other options.
- Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to increase visibility and support.
Loan Awarding and Communication:
- In partnership with the central Financial Aid Office and the University Director of Financial Aid, provides oversight for the compliant and accurate awarding or "packaging" of all loans.
- Responsible for the oversight, usage, and maintenance of all associated financial aid systems in partnership with the central financial aid office IT staff, the Admissions Technology team and Web Editor.
- Is knowledgeable of the federal "verification" process and ensures its completion, where required, for each applicant.
- Develops an effective and automated communication plan such that students are notified of their eligibility for loan funds.
Team Leadership:
- Lead and manage a team of five financial aid team members to meet high performance standards and ensure consistency in delivering the Kellogg brand. Build and maintain a strong, cohesive internal team that is knowledgeable, interactive, and leverages multiple cross-functional partnerships within the organization.
- Motivates team members to promote effective working relationships, professional growth, and continuous innovation.
- Supports direct reports in delivering the right tools/access to successfully operationalize financial aid strategy.
- Manage Financial Aid budget.
Customer Service:
- Partner with the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Sr. Directors of the Executive and FT MBA programs to:
- Develop and execute a best in-class customer service approach for prospective, admitted and current MBA students.
- Dedicated to meet and exceed expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
- Obtain first-hand customer information and use it improve processes.
Data Analytics:
- Develop and maintain data to ensure timely reporting of financial aid statistics to track trend analysis and make recommendations toward strategic goals.
- Provide the School's leadership team with forecasts, analyses, strategic options, advice and recommendations regarding financial aid strategy and enrollment planning.
- Partner regularly with program Sr. Directors to discuss current market conditions, consumer feedback, and adapt strategies as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, skills and experience.
- 2-3 years of financial aid experience.
- 5-8 years of progressive, professional experience.
- 2-3 years of proven success with direct team management/leadership experience is required.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Demonstrates ability and passion for building something - is eager to innovate, put together a plan and execute against it.
- Intellectually agile; a relentless and versatile learner.
- Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult challenges with effective solutions.
- Demonstrates excellent judgment, tact, discretion and diplomacy.
- Confident, energetic, professional presenting in front of large groups.
- Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting financial aid and scholarship deployment.
- Excellent organization skills, ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and develop, cultivate, and manage relationships across a complex organization.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Communicates a compelling and inspired vision for the team and department.
- Energized by tough challenges.
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- MBA or other graduate degree and/or equivalent combination of education/experience/training from which comparable skills can be acquired.
- 2-3 years of experience managing a team in a highly competitive, price sensitive, customer focused industry.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $95,000 - $115,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more!
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
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