Director of Operations

Ball State University welcomes applications for our Director of Operations position. We are looking for a higher-level strategic leader to join us who will supervise the systems team and provide operational management for the Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

At Ball State University, inclusiveness is one of the enduring values and informs all of our work. We define 'inclusiveness' as a commitment 'to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.' As such, this value incorporates a commitment to inclusive excellence and freedom of expression.

Ball State University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible positions. Click here to explore options.

Curious about benefits calculations? Please visit the following link to explore: https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/humanresources/jobs

Support the Assistant Vice President/Executive Director by providing operational management for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships; work closely with the AVP, the Director of Financial Aid and the Director of Scholarships to develop office goals and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Work closely with staff to provide a robust operational environment in the daily processing of financial aid and scholarships. Maintain office policies and procedures. Directly supervise two associate directors and guide the development and maintenance of the financial aid software system (Ellucian Banner), the integration with other related systems, buildout of the data warehouse and data dashboards and guide reporting for operations and strategic planning.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or in lieu of Bachelor's degree, an Associate's degree with an additional three years of experience with support and maintenance of a mission-critical software system, including writing systems documentation.

At least seven years of experience in all aspects of financial aid administration. Experience as a director, associate director or assistant director with demonstrated ability to guide office operations, develop policy and procedures, supervise systems staff and guide the development of a major financial aid system (Banner).

Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and familiarity with the privacy and protection of sensitive data; demonstrated ability to accurately interpret and apply regulatory guidance to systems design; excellent communication, customer service and supervisory skills with the ability to train and mentor others.

Master's Degree.

At least three years of direct experience supporting Ellucian Banner; including system programming, testing of software upgrades, problem resolution and strategic and ad hoc reporting. Ability to analyze, interpret and present data that impacts decision-making.

Proficiency with Ellucian's Banner Financial Aid module; working knowledge of BDMS or other imaging software; proficiency with Argos Report Writer, Tableau or other reporting tools; project management experience.

Associate Director of Systems and Technology, Associate Director for Data and Reporting

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 270+ undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of our master's, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees rank among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.

Serve as a member of the AVP/Executive Director's senior staff to provide leadership in the overall management and administration of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships with an emphasis on operational management and compliance.

Stay abreast of changes in financial aid regulations and emerging trends in financial aid delivery; interpret complex federal, state, institutional and private donor regulations, review guidelines and professional literature on financial aid; maintain a working knowledge of required financial aid policies and procedures through training and self-initiated research such as financial aid and Banner-related list-serve postings, Federal Student Aid, NASFAA, regulatory postings; attend trainings, conferences and webinars.

Supervise the systems team to oversee the design, update, implementation, maintenance, testing, evaluation, and documentation of the financial aid software system (Ellucian Banner); work to enhance integration with other related systems such as Blackbaud Award Management ( BAM), Slate, etc.; ensure timely updates, enhance processes and support student recruitment and success.

Work with Institutional Research and Decision Support ( IRDS) in the buildout of the data warehouse and data dashboards; assist in the design and display of metrics that demonstrate office successes and outcomes.

Work with systems staff to provide operational reporting to maintain compliance, enhance awarding of aid, problem solve, and provide strategic reporting. Assist in external reporting such as common dataset, national college surveys, operational support and requests from various constituents in the BSU community where appropriate.

Collaborate with OFAS leadership and other departments to develop innovative communication strategies to provide timely, pertinent information to prospective and continuing students and parents through various outreach initiatives that maximize student success.

Develop and maintain office operational calendar and policies and procedures manual. Work with all staff to coordinate timely updates to policies and procedures.

Participate on relevant interdepartmental committees on integration touch points, coordination of common processes and shared functionality; address technical and data integrity issues affecting administrative and academic departments and provide input for needed changes to relevant software or setup.

Work closely with the Director of Financial Aid and Director of Scholarships to provide timely information and training for OFAS, Cardinal Central (one-stop), Student Financial Services, Student Affairs and other essential student success areas.

Assign and review work, orient and train staff, and make recommendations in all areas related to supervision, including but not limited to interviewing and selection, compensation, discipline, performance appraisal and training and career development of personnel.

Demonstrate responsible personal and professional conduct, contributing to the overall mission and goals of the university; accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; earn trust, respect, and confidence from the university community; value open-mindedness, inclusion and help create a positive work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity; treat all others with respect; promote cooperation.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

In support of your application for this position, please prepare and submit a cover letter that describes how your qualifications and experience align with the elements of the position description (or leadership profile). In your cover letter, please select one of our enduring values and describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to that value in your professional endeavors.