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STAFF SPECIALIST I, HIGHER EDUCATION

Program Manager of Student Financial Assistance

Recruitment #23-000300-0004

Introduction

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

GRADE

17

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy Grasmick Education Building, 6 N Liberty Street, 10th FL, Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has two main purposes: (1) academic planning and policy analysis and (2) financial assistance. The Office of Student Financial Assistance is responsible for various State student financial assistance programs, administering over $100 million in grants, scholarships, and loan assistance repayment programs in Maryland. Financial assistance programs are identified by units and include need-based grants which are awarded on the basis of the student's ability to pay; merit-based scholarships given to students with special talents; career-based scholarships for students entering certain workforce programs; loan assistance repayment programs; awards to unique populations, such as military veterans and legislative scholarships. This Staff Specialist I – Higher Education position is assigned duties and responsibilities pertaining primarily to the Unique Program & Legislative unit. The position reports directly to the Associate Director.

POSITION DUTIES

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) within the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) oversees a variety of financial assistance programs.  Each program is categorized under a unit which is managed by a Staff Specialist I – Higher Education otherwise referred to as Program Manager. The Program Manager is responsible for the oversight, management and direction of all programs within the assigned unit and will be required to become knowledgeable and proficient of all programs and functions within the assigned unit. Additionally, the program manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration of all student financial assistance programs within the assigned unit and providing direct supervision to a team of 1 – 5 staff members as well as assisting in the indirect supervision of additional staff members. Supervision includes oversight of a variety of operational functions within the unit, including telephone inquiries, processing of documents, and responding to e-mail inquiries. The program manager serves as a subject matter lead for need-based programs administered within the unit and is responsible for ensuring that all processes are administered effectively and within the parameters of Commission policies and regulations. This position is recognized as the primary lead and point-of-contact for all matters relating to all programs within the assigned unit.  The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities: 

§  Oversee all unit related State financial assistance programs offered through the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA).  This includes oversight of the day-to-day operations and internal review of administration of all centralized programs that fall within the need-based area.

§  Assist in the design, development, and modification of financial assistance programs within the assigned unit. 

§  Perform program needs assessment and make recommendations. 

§  Provides financial assistance information to students and other constituents; including the types of financial assistance programs available, the application process for each, outstanding requirements, and award statuses.

§  Oversees and assists in the verification of documents and maintains appropriate documentation used to determine eligibility for financial assistance awards; maintains records/student files including applications, tracking reports, and spreadsheets.

§  Maintains current knowledge of regulations, policies, application requirements and eligibility criteria for financial assistance programs within assigned unit, including computer hardware and software. 

§  Assist with the development of policy, legislative, and statistical analysis for current and proposed 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). 

§  Monitor all processes within unit to ensure compliance with Maryland law and regulations and supervise programs and maintain internal review process of administration of programs. 

§  Analyze the findings of audit reviews and determine the appropriate course of action in consultation with Director, Associate Director, Program Managers, and other staff as well as legal counsel. 

§  Works with Associate Director of Operations, Program Mangers, and Program Supervisors within OSFA to ensure MDCAPS operations are in alignment with polices and producers as well as statutory requirements and regulations. 

§  In collaboration with the Director, provide leadership, direction, and guidance for staff. 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. 

§  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. 

§  Act as liaison to internal departments, external entities and community organizations. 

§  May prepare and edit reports and/or newsletters and develop publication materials. 

§  Complete special projects at the direction of the Director and Secretary of Higher Education.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: One year of administrative or teaching experience in post-secondary education programs.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One to two years of experience in performing program administrative functions, preferably in higher education. 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of department processes, business principles and practices, and strong attention to detail with a dedication to accuracy.  Applicants should be highly organized, be able to multitask, and be a self-starter who can work independently and in a team environment with sensitive and confidential information.  Additionally, applicants should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and attention to detail; with the ability to read, analyze and interpret data as well as the ability to provide excellent customer service internally and externally; demonstrated ability to listen effectively, identify critical paths quickly, and adjust plans and approach as necessary.

SELECTION PROCESS

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.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

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.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: 


· Health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILSSTATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.

· Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).

· Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

· Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  

· Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

· Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  

· Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

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 212201 

#23-000300-0004 

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. 

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. 

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




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