STAFF SPECIALIST I, HIGHER EDUCATION
Program Manager of Student Financial Assistance
Recruitment #23-000300-0004
Department | Maryland Higher Education Commission |
---|---|
Date Opened | 9/12/2023 11:59:00 PM |
Filing Deadline | 9/26/2023 11:59:00 PM |
Salary | $60,801 thru $76,200 progressing to $97,940 |
Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
HR Analyst | Cheryl Murphy |
Work Location |
Baltimore City
|
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
LOCATION OF POSITION
Nancy Grasmick Education
Building, 6 N Liberty Street, 10th FL, Baltimore, MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job
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 DETAILS: STATE 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).