MSUAASF JOB POSTING

OPENING DATE:                            November 27, 2023

CLOSING DATE:                            January 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. or until filled

POSITION LOCATION:                 Financial Aid - Bemidji State University

JOB TYPE / SCHEDULE:              Full-time / Probationary

PAY / SALARY RANGE:               Depends on Qualifications; Range C ($45,352 - $91,288)

Bemidji State University (BSU) and NORTHWEST TECHNICAL COLLEGE (NTC) invite applicants to join our team as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. BSU and NTC are members of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and employ more than 600 faculty and staff.

BSU’s vision is to educate people to lead inspired lives. To accomplish BSU’s vision, the University prioritizes creating a culture in which diversity is embraced and all people are safe, welcome, and validated. Centered between the three largest Tribal nations in Minnesota – Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth – BSU also prioritizes increasing engagement with American Indian communities to become a destination university.  BSU enrolls around 4,000 students and offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU’s Shared Fundamental Values include civic engagement and leadership, international and multicultural understanding, belief in the power of the liberal arts, and environmental stewardship.

NTC has prepared students for fulfilling careers in high-demand fields for more than 50 years. The college’s accessible, affordable, hands-on programs also help the region’s employers meet their ever-growing need for a highly skilled workforce. NTC serves more than 1,000 students with an excellent education, an open-enrollment policy and affordable tuition. Students may pursue nearly 40 degree, diploma and certificate programs in six distinct career paths. Classes are offered on campus, online, or as a combination of both.

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid assists the Director and Associate Director to plan, administer, manage, and coordinate the student financial aid programs at BSU and NTC. This position administers a number of Minnesota Office of Higher Education Programs, including but not limited to MN Postsecondary Child Care Grant,  MN Indian Scholarship Program, and MN Teacher Training Preparation Grant, along with the Niganawenimaanaanig Nursing Grant, Tribal Grants and MN GI Bill Program. This individual counsels’ students and parents, as well as verifies awards and revises financial aid awards. 

Responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid include:

 Administration of State Aid Programs. (25%)

• o   Administering several MN Office of Higher Education programs including the Postsecondary Childcare Grant Program, Fostering Independence Grant, DREAM Act, MN Teacher Candidate Grant Programs, etc.  This includes requesting allocations/payments, calculating awards, provider verification for childcare grant, notification of award, award adjustments/overpayments and completing the year-end reports. 

 Financial Aid Counseling. (20%)

• o   Meeting with current and prospective students and parents to discuss issues related to applying for and receiving financial aid at BSU, including financial aid eligibility, application procedures, governing regulations and debt management.

 Financial Aid Processing. (20%)
American Indian Programs. (15%)

• o   Administering the Office of Higher Education MN Indian Scholarship Program, the MN Teacher Training Preparation Grant, and the American Indian Scholars Program, along with the Niganawenimaanaanig Nursing Grant at BSU.  This includes completing budgets for each student, entering initial awards, award adjustments, and updating budgets periodically throughout the semester.  Also working closely with the Scholarship Coordinator position on Tribal Grants. 

  MN GI Bill Program & Third Party. (10%)

• o   Administering the MN GI Bill program for BSU and NTC which includes completing budgets, award adjustments/overpayments and completing the year-end report.  Processing third party paperwork and other unique payments for students for BSU, including AmeriCorps fundiing.  

  Outreach. (5%)

• o   Participating in BSU Academic Advising and Registration programs, BSU FYE classes, and financial aid nights at area high schools.

Other Duties. (5%)

• o   Assisting students participating in international travel academic programs. Aiding with the development of financial aid policies, procedures, computer software and systems at BSU and NTC and other duties as assigned.  

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

•      Bachelor’s Degree.

• Two (2) years of financial aid or related experience.

• Computer software and technology skills.

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to receive and maintain access to federal student aid databases.

Preferred qualifications include:

•    Master’s Degree.
•   Three (3) years of financial aid or related higher education experience.
•   Ability to participate as a team member .
•    A demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

To facilitate the review, assessment, and evaluation process, please ensure that your application and/or resume clearly demonstrate fulfillment of these required and preferred qualifications.

Working Conditions:

•        Some evening and weekend work is required.
•        Occasional overnight travel is required to attend conferences, training and               planning sessions.

Physical Effort:

•        Individual must be able to function effectively in a stressful and emotionally           charged environment.
•        Some lifting and carrying of materials.

Other considerations:

• ·       All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of an offer of employment.
• ·       Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota State University Associate of Administrative and Service Faculty (MSUAASF) – see agreement.
• ·       In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MinnState) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, faculty and staff driving on college/university business, who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to complete a vehicle Use Agreement form and conform to MinnState’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check.

• BSU and NTC are tobacco free workplaces (see policy).

Apply online:    https://bemidjistate.peopleadmin.com/

A complete application will include the following attachments:

• ·       Cover letter, which addresses the required qualifications and your specific interest in working at BSU.

·       Resume / Curriculum Vitae.

Inquiries about the position:

Stephanie Bard, Director of Financial Aid

Phone: (218) 755-2263

Email: stephanie.bard@bemidjistate.edu

If you have general questions about this posting or submitting an application, contact Mary Miller at mary.miller@bemidjistate.edu