Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid - Military Veterans

Established in 1925, The Claremont Colleges includes five undergraduate liberal arts colleges and two graduate institutions: Pomona College, Claremont Graduate University, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, and Keck Graduate Institute. Located on contiguous campuses in the Southern California city of Claremont, each institution has its own student body, faculty, governance, curricular emphasis, culture, and mission. Intercollegiate cooperation provides university-scale services and facilities. With 8,500 students and 3,300 faculty and staff located on more than 540 acres of land, The Claremont Colleges benefit from the diverse missions, character, and culture and the integration of academic and extracurricular programs that make up this truly unique consortium.

Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills, Claremont is 32 miles east of Los Angeles and part of the greater Los Angeles County.

Salary Range: $110,000 â" $117,810

Key Relationships : The Assistant Vice President (AVP) works alongside university leadership, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, the Registrar, Student Accounts, the Dean of Students Office, the Student, Life, Diversity, and Leadership Office, the Office of Student Engagement, Academic Deans, and Program Directors. The Assistant Vice President supervises the Office of Financial Aid, Student Engagement (Student Support Specialists), and student employees and reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Claremont Graduate University seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid in a hybrid graduate-only setting across a broad range of traditional and professional degrees. The Office of Financial Aid is a part of the Student Affairs team and is integral to the Enrollment Services and Student Service offices. This role is newly created and essential in supporting CGU's mission to develop a diverse set of individuals in scholarship, research, and global leadership through transformative graduate education. The AVP will oversee a team of dedicated professionals and serve as a direct supervisor to the Director of Financial Aid and Student Success, the Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid, and Financial Aid Specialists to ensure the efficient and strategic distribution of financial aid funds and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The AVP will lead with vision, produce data-driven and outcomes-oriented evaluations of services, and articulate the value and return on investment (ROI) of a private graduate education.

This role is multifaceted and reaches beyond financial aid administration. The AVP serves as a leader in change management and invests in relationships and collaborations across campus to execute and manage through a leadership transition. The AVP inspires a culture of exceptional service delivery.

The AVP has a record of accomplishments, including innovative and sustainable solutions. This role has a dual and balanced focus on the Office of Financial Aid and Student Engagement (Student Support Specialists).

The AVP's key responsibilities include:

1. Visionary leadership

• The AVP supports the university's mission by leading, managing, and reporting to constituents regarding all aspects of the institution's financial aid operations, including compliance, budget management, and student advising. The AVP also develops and implements financial aid policies and strategies to support CGUs' retention and completion goals. The AVP fosters a culture of high-touch, student-centric service and continuous improvement. The AVP leads initiatives demonstrating a private graduate education's value and return on investment.

2. Financial Aid Administration

• The AVP oversees the entire student aid cycle, including need analysis, packaging, awarding, and disbursement of funds. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including the Return to Title IV (R2T4) process. The AVP is responsible for developing effective financial aid leveraging strategies to optimize the use of institutional aid and administering financial aid programs in accordance with federal guidelines, institutional policies and procedures, and foundation and donor intent. The AVP oversees the use of restricted and unrestricted resources to award fellowships and scholarships. The AVP will lead strategies, guide, and monitor activities supporting new and continuing students' recruitment, retention, and successful engagement. They will collaborate with the chief enrollment officer and recruitment team to achieve enrollment goals. The AVP will produce data-driven reports and evaluations to monitor and evaluate financial aid and enrollment trends.

3. Team Management

• The AVP will supervise and mentor the Director of Financial Aid and Student Success and the Assistant / Associate Director of Financial Aid. The Financial Aid team will provide staff with professional development opportunities and training. The AVP will charge teams to collaborate to integrate and implement university-wide and school-specific enrollment management strategies to help meet enrollment goals. The AVP will provide support to the Director, who will lead or provide support to the Financial Aid Director and Student Support Specialists to bring together academic deans, school staff, student support specialists, recruiters, and Enrollment Services leadership as needed to assess and address the most significant needs tied to serving incoming and returning students. The AVP will support the team in mobilizing and guiding the student support specialists and student success team across the university to support student service and enrollment needs.

4. Collaboration and Communication

• The AVP is responsible for elevating the student experience and enhancing an environment of success, persistence, and belonging in a hybrid graduate-only setting across a broad range of traditional and professional degrees. The AVP collaborates with university leadership to align financial aid strategies and institutional goals. The AVP works closely with the academic and service departments and institutional effectiveness to ensure seamless and integrated student support. The AVP is a key liaison with governing bodies, auditing, and accreditation processes.

5. Data Analysis and Reporting

• The AVP utilizes data-driven approaches to inform financial aid strategies and develops analytical reports and projections to monitor and assess metrics and evaluates the impact on student success and institutional goals. The AVP prepares and submits required federal, state, and institutional reports and audits.

6. Strategic Planning and Innovation

• The AVP leads the development of short and long-term strategic plans for the Office of Financial Aid. The AVP identifies opportunities for process improvement and technical advancements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial aid operations. The AVP stays abreast of industry trends and best practices in financial assistance and higher education finance administration.

7. Compliance and Risk Management

• The AVP will ensure all financial aid practices adhere to federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies and oversee the timely preparation and submission of all required reports, audits, and surveys.

8. Student Advocacy and Support

• The AVP has a lens of advocacy and works to remove financial aid barriers. The AVP supports the delivery of high-quality financial counseling and support to prospective and current students. The AVP oversees the delivery of financial literacy programs and resources that enhance students' understanding of financial aid and personal finance.

9. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• The AVP will represent the Office of Financial Aid in committee meetings and engage in academic and stakeholder community activities that support student success and relationships with constituents.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• The ideal AVP will be student-centered, collaborative, intellectually curious, and solution-seeking. The AVP will possess an extensive comprehension of higher education administration, student affairs, and ethics, including nuanced insights into best practices, regulations, compliance, and trends shaping the landscape of student support and institutional effectiveness.
• The AVP will have a consultative and motivational management style, the ability to help colleagues successfully navigate change, and will be eager to develop talented Financial Aid professionals. The AVP will demonstrate proficiency in leadership and management and a comprehensive understanding of compliance regulations within the higher education landscape.
• The AVP collaborates with leadership, enrollment, and student services to develop shortâ"and long-term strategic planning efforts and partners extensively to develop and meet departmental and institutional goals. This role requires strong project management skills, outstanding personnel oversight and mentoring, sound independent judgment, attention to detail, and supporting cross-functional relationships.
• The AVP demonstrates leadership and compliance expertise in higher education administration and financial aid as evidenced by fiscal management and the disbursement of fellowships and aid.
• The AVP can effectively navigate shifting enrollment priorities and collaborative tasks across various departments. The AVP has exceptional problem-solving abilities and adeptness at prioritizing and multitasking in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• The AVP has strong communication and interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• The AVP is proficient in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and administrative database systems such as PeopleSoft, Slate, COD, NSLDS, etc.
• The AVP demonstrates sensitivity and competence in working with diverse student populations, fostering inclusivity and equity.
• Knowledge of NASPA and ACPA Competencies

HOURS: The regular hours for this position are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but these may vary due to the needs of the university or the department. Occasional travel may be required for professional development and representing CGU at events. This position is on-site, but with supervisor approval, it can be worked remotely up to 2 days per week.

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt-level position. Benefits-eligible.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Financial aid professionals , Student Support Specialists, graduate assistants, and possibly interns.

REPORTS TO: The Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA).

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

EDUCATION : Master's degree required; Doctoral degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE : Seven to ten years of related experience or equivalent is required. Five years of supervising mid-management-level staff with evidence of met or exceeded goals is also required. Excellent customer service and enrollment experience with proven results in a sales/service enrollment operation is also required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES : A driver's license is required.

Physical Activities

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Never Occasionally ✗ Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to __ pounds in all directions.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Never Occasionally ✗ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Never Occasionally ✗ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools.
✗ Never Occasionally Constantly

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Environmental Conditions

Low temperatures.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

High temperatures.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Noisy environments.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Hazardous conditions.
✗ Never Occasionally Constantly

Poor ventilation.
✗ Never Occasionally Constantly

Small and/or enclosed spaces.
✗ Never Occasionally Constantly

No adverse environmental conditions expected.
✗ Never Occasionally Constantly

Physical Demands

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
Never Occasionally ✗ Constantly

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Never ✗ Occasionally Constantly

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
✗ Never Occasionally Constantly

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
✗ Never Occasionally Constantly

EEO Statement:

Claremont Graduate University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender and/ or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or physical disability or any other legally protected basis in its employment practice and in admission of students to educational programs and activities in accordance with the requirement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title I of the American Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable laws. CGU is committed to affirmative action in employment practices regarding ethnic minorities, the physically challenged, Vietnam-era veterans, and women. This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of the employment position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Successful completion of criminal background and DMV checks required for final candidate.