Dean of University Financial Aid Services Santa Clara University (SCU), a comprehensive, private Jesuit university located in California s Silicon Valley, seeks nominations and applications for the position of Dean of University Financial Aid Services. About the University SCU is California s oldest operating institution of higher education with 164 years of history. It has consistently earned high marks from college/university ratings services, e.g., U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, and Business Week. Inherent in these ratings are strong reviews for faculty, whose scholarship takes place in the College of Arts & Sciences, Leavey School of Business and the College of Engineering, as well as graduate work at the Law School, School of Education and Counseling Psychology and the Jesuit School of Theology. The faculty serves a community of 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students enriched by women and men of diverse backgrounds respectful of difference and enlivened by open dialog. The faculty has the central responsibility for ensuring the effectiveness of SCU s key educational goal, namely, to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience and compassion and cultivate knowledge and faith to build a more humane, just and sustainable world. SCU s first-year class profile includes broad geographical representation (41 states and 21 countries) and broad ethnic diversity with 47% students of color. The University is a member of the West Coast Conference, sponsoring 20 Division I varsity sports. Position Description and Responsibilities
The Dean serves as the chief strategist, director and implementer of an integrated enrollment management approach to undergraduate financial aid and data research, management and reporting. He/She will also serve as the chief University Financial Aid Officer and oversee daily processes and operations. In collaboration with the Vice President, the Dean will structure financial aid programs and processes to leverage University enrollment research, marketing and communications, and the awarding of institutional scholarships and grants in such a way as to create a diverse student body that thrives within the University s heritage as a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher learning. The Dean supervises a budget of $1,679,000 (including salary and benefits) and awards $166.3 million in aid. The Dean will sustain and heighten the capacity to use data systems, including the web, for coordinated research, planning, recruitment, and communication at multiple levels. He/She will help formulate and responsibly manage the financial aid budget (including spending projections) to enhance recruitment goals by implementing positive pricing and financial aid strategies. Outcome expectations include the University s ability to generate net tuition revenue and attract and retain a desired academic and diverse student mix. Key responsibilities of the Dean include the following: Lead operational and strategic planning for the Financial Aid Office Recommend the formulation and implementation of SCU financial aid policies Model and promote high-quality student service Oversee staff development and training, including cross-training
Develop staff members through improving their understanding of financial aid programs and related rules and regulations Monitor financial aid packaging Ensure compliance, disbursement, funds management and stewardship; track and report expenditures Research and report financial aid data and statistics to appropriate offices and organizations (PeopleSoft SIS) Represent SCU s interests by serving as the primary liaison with federal and state agencies concerning issues or proposals that impact financial aid programs or eligibility Maximize positive relationships with other campus departments, especially the University Admission Office, Enrollment Services and external constituents Maintain an aggressive communication system with students, parents, and campus advisors regarding financial aid eligibility, requirements and availability Assume the lead role in reviewing federal, state and institutional needs analysis computations Represent SCU s Financial Aid Office at campus, state, regional and national meetings Position Qualifications 15 years or more of demonstrated leadership success in innovative enrollment management in higher education Master s degree
How to Apply Multicultural competence Understanding and support of the Jesuit tradition of education and a commitment to the fundamental values of service to others, community and diversity. Experience in a values-based, tuition-dependent environment Knowledge of best practices in all of the areas supervised, i.e., operations, student loans, systems and data analysis and packaging Success in managing an integrated, student-focused, research-based, and results-driven enrollment division Facility with technology infrastructure, particularly PeopleSoft, and demonstrated ability to provide leadership in using technology to enhance business practices Technological competency and documented use of technology to facilitate appropriate financial aid and other communications with students and their families Nominations and applications should be sent to SCU@wspelman.com. The subject line should read SCUFA. Nominators should send their nomination and nominee contact information. Interested individuals should send a letter of application that relates education and professional skills and experiences to the stated position qualifications along with a resume that reflects notable and related achievements. Confidential inquiries about the position should be made to Dr. Daniel LaVista, Senior Associate, William Spelman Executive Search at Dan@wspelman.com or (804) 426-5444 For full consideration, all materials should be received by November 6, 2015. Santa Clara University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, committed to excellence through diversity and inclusion, and, in this spirit, particularly welcomes applications from women, persons of color, and members of historically underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a
disability, or other protected category in accordance with applicable law. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability.