STAFF SPECIALIST IV, HIGHER EDUCATION

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is seeking an experienced and energetic individual to fill the position of Staff Specialist IV-Higher Education (Associate Director) in their Office of Student Financial Assistance.

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Nancy Grasmick Education Building, 6 N. Liberty Street, 10th Fl., Baltimore, Maryland  21201

The Staff Specialist IV Higher Education serves as the Associate Director of Student Financial Assistance and provides professional level services to the to the Maryland Higher Education Commission in the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) and reports to the Director of Student Financial Assistance. The position will provide professional services including directing the day-to-day operations of OSFA which consists of twenty need-based, merit, and loan assistance repayment programs totaling an appropriation in excess of $100 million annually; overseeing the external audit review process, and serving as the technical lead for the unit.

The Associate Director is a member of the management team for the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The position will provide professional services, including directing the day-to-day operations, overseeing the external audit process, and serving as the technical lead for the unit. The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

• Assist in the oversight, management, and direction of OSFA. This includes oversight of the day-to-day operations of more than twenty-five need-based, career-occupational based, and loan assistance repayment programs totaling an appropriation of more than $110 million annually. 
•  Operational functions include a high volume of calls, email communications and document processing.
• Serve as the lead in managing the department’s application and processing system (MDCAPS) to include awarding, development of documents related to the use and maintenance of systems; recommends modifications and new functionality to systems; identifies technology enhancement projects and participates in development, testing and implementing a variety of software.
•  Assist with the development of policy, legislative, and statistical analysis for current and proposed financial aid programs for the Director, Commissioners, Secretary of Higher Education, and external stakeholders such as the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
• Serve as the lead in developing policies and procedures for the independent audit review of Maryland’s postsecondary institution’s compliance with the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR, and agency regulations, and directly supervise the Compliance Officer.
• Directly supervise the Program Mangers and Program Supervisors within OSFA to ensure polices and producers are in alignment with statutory requirements and regulations.
• In collaboration with the Director, provide leadership, direction, and guidance for a staff of fifteen employees in a lead worker capacity. Develop procedures and performance standards; assist in staff development, training, and other personnel-related tasks; and constantly seek to maximize staff performance through continual process improvement.
• Coordinate with various internal and external stakeholders to promote college awareness and financial literacy.
• Works with the Director and staff in the Office of Outreach and Grants Management in promoting financial aid resources to students, parents, and the financial aid community.
• Make presentations on financial aid at college nights or financial aid workshops, as needed. 
• Assist the Director on various special projects such as MFR submissions, JCR Reports, and serving on relevant taskforces, workgroups, and grant initiatives as assigned by the Director of Student Financial Assistance.
•  Complete special projects at the direction of the Director and Secretary of Higher Education.  

Education: Possession of a doctoral degree.

Experience: Five years of administrative or teaching experience in post-secondary education programs.

Note: Two additional years of experience in post-secondary education may be substituted for the doctoral degree.

Desired Qualifications:

 

1. The successful candidate will be an experienced manager with degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university

2. Should have at least five years of experience working in a fast-paced, results driven, operational environment. 

3. Applicants should possess financial aid management experience and excellent oral and written communication skills

4. Experience supervising staff, managing projects with deadlines, working collaboratively as part of a team and leading work groups. 

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

COVER LETTER and RESUME REQUIRED with online application and can be uploaded as an attachment under the Resume Tab of the online application.  Please combine all documents together as ONE attachment (resume, degree, etc.).

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:   

Department of Budget and Management

Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston Street  Room 608

Baltimore, Maryland  21201     

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.A without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).