Director of Scholarships and Special Programs (Enrollment Services Manager 3)

The Penn State Office of Student Aid is seeking to fill the role of Director of Scholarships and Special Programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for leadership and management in the Office of Student Aid by contributing to the Office of Student Aid strategic planning process, assisting in the development of policies, planning, budget analysis and resource allocation, and the delivery of student financial aid to all constituents.

In addition, this role is responsible to the Executive Director of Student Aid for the overall planning and operational aspects of the Scholarships and Special Programs unit of the Office of Student Aid on a day-to-day basis. This position is responsible for the awarding and administration of over $90 million in University funds to support the University’s recruitment and retention goals. Provide functional analysis, assessment of fit/gap areas and recommend solutions to the awarding and eligibility review processes in LionPATH, and eSteward, the University’s awarding and account management system. Responsible for the supervision of all unit staff that assist in the management of these funds including training, professional development, hiring and evaluation.

This position will serve as a liaison to and participate in workgroups with various University offices including Student Financial Services and the offices of Gift Planning, Donor Relations, Undergraduate Education, and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations to ensure endowed and annual scholarships are awarded efficiently and in accordance with donor guideline agreements to ensure the effective administration of Student Aid and awarding of University Scholarships.

In addition, this role will serve as the primary contact on behalf of the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Executive Director for Student Aid with the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, Vice President for Alumni & Development, Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses (OVPCC), and other offices under the auspices of Educational Equity, University Development or OVPCC, as well as develop and maintain relationships for the Office of Student Aid with the college Multicultural Directors, Federal Trio Programs, Comprehensive Studies Program, college and campus awarding staff, Office of Student Success, and Office of Student Care & Advocacy.

This role will represent the office at policy and system level discussions to coordinate development of processes and procedures to deliver aid to students and to ensure regulatory compliance and partners with all university offices as needed in support of scholarship funding to enhance student success.

In addition, this position is responsible for providing in-take services (student/parent phone calls, responding to email, assisting visitors to the office) to assist students and their families with developing strategies for how they will finance their education at Penn State and demonstrate a genuine appreciation in working with diverse audiences.

This position will serve as a member of the Office of Student Aid leadership team providing input to overall strategic and budget planning for the office; give advice to the Executive Director for setting office-wide policies and procedures. Actively participate in or lead meetings and committees related to the work of the office. Provide leadership on committees and projects in support of Enrollment Management within other areas of the University.

The work of this position impacts Penn State’s approval to participate in Federal and State Student Aid programs which comprise the majority of the $1.2B in student aid funding at the University which assists over 75,000 students. The successful candidate will be required to maintain in-depth knowledge of all applicable federal and state regulations and University policies affecting student aid programs.

This role resides on-site at the University Park Campus.

Education and experience:

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher plus six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s Degree is preferred. Previous training experience is a plus. Requires knowledge of complex federal, state, and University aid regulations, policies, and procedures. ​Also requires working knowledge of Zoom and Microsoft PowerPoint.

The following background checks must be successfully completed for this position: 

This position will require successful completion of standard background checks.

At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Apply online at: https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Staff/job/Director-of-Scholarships-and-Special-Programs–Enrollment-Services-Manager-3-_REQ_0000040274

To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.