Position Summary:

The Program Manager is part of the dynamic Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (OSFA) team within University Enrollment Affairs at Vanderbilt University. The individual in this role is a key individual in supporting UEA’s mission and managing critical initiatives and programs. The individual in this role assists in the overall administration of institutional, federal, state, and private financial aid funds to both undergraduate and graduate/professional students. Reporting to the Deputy Director for Programs, the Program Manager will also support OSFA by counseling students and parents regarding the financial aid application process and reviewing awards. In addition, the Program Manager will assist in meeting the university’s strategic enrollment goals for strategic partnerships and special populations.

About the Work Unit:

The OSFA is responsible for providing financial assistance to students whose economic circumstances are such that they could not otherwise afford to attend. In addition, we provide limited merit-based assistance to select undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise.

Vanderbilt welcomes students who can benefit from and contribute to the community, regardless of their financial situation. The University is committed to reviewing applicants for admission without regard to their financial need, then assistance is awarded to any student who establishes eligibility for such need-based assistance based on family financial criteria.

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

• Manage and coordinate and manage Vanderbilt’s special partnership programs such as Posse, Questbridge, Next Steps, Veterans, and ROTC. Coordinate with appropriate contacts in each of these departmental areas to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Coordinate the University’s financial literacy initiatives. 
• Manage and coordinate the University’s new undergraduate financial aid initiatives with internal and external partners.
• Coordinate Student Critical Fund awarding, including the reviewing of applications, making independent decisions regarding award eligibility, and managing the program budget. Work with other campus offices to encourage student wellness and coordination of resources available. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional guidelines. 
• Utilizing our automated financial aid management system (PeopleSoft) and other operating system software, produce and process applications for financial aid; determine eligibility for federal, state, university, and other aid programs.
• Resolve problems and respond to student and parent inquiries concerning the various financial aid program activities and processes, as well as provide counseling and guidance for families relative to the processing of their financial aid.
• Attend workshops and conferences, review relevant professional publications, and take action as appropriate to remain informed of and be able to respond to legislative and other changes affecting the administration of student financial aid.
• Achieve a broad knowledge and understanding of federal and institutional methodology as it relates to federal, state, university, and other aid programs.
• Accomplish required verification of the accuracy of financial data and other detailed information submitted by students and families on financial aid application materials.
• Thoughtfully and promptly respond to an aid applicant’s/recipient’s change in the family’s financial situation.
• Think independently and make sound professional judgment decisions in situations when consideration is being given to special circumstances that affect a family’s ability to contribute to the student’s cost of attending. The Program Manager regularly assists with these kinds of problems by exercising professional judgment.
• Participates and collaborates in university strategic enrollment goals and activities for diversity and inclusion. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Deputy Director for Programs.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• At least five years of related experience is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing is required.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments is required.
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements is required.
• Experience in administering federal financial aid programs is required.
• Experience in administering Veterans Benefits programs is preferred.
• Knowledge of Oracle/PeopleSoft Student Administration software is preferred.