Job Information
Western Kentucky University Assistant Director, Recruitment and Retention in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Fri Jul 5 2024 Job Description:
Purpose of Position
The purpose of this position is to assist the Department in achieving its vision and mission of student success and service while maintaining a commitment to excellence, and a willingness to assist all students by ensuring they receive financial aid counseling and have access to all possible financial resources for which they are eligible. It will oversee counseling services by leading and directing front office staff, leading areas within the office with regard to scholarship programs, and serve as the campus liaison while directing recruitment and retention initiatives, activities, and events. The position reports directly to the Director in the Department of Student Financial Assistance.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
Provides leadership for counseling staff within the department, special events, outreach, retention efforts, and recruitment focused events hosted by WKU Admissions.
Supervises the Coordinator of Counseling and Outreach in charge of counseling services whose responsibilities include: overseeing all financial aid counselors, communication center, resource center, social media activity, and working with materials for counseling and recruiting purposes.
Supervises the Coordinators working directly with scholarship programs including University, Foundation, Third-Party, NCAA, and the associated KHEAA programs administered by these direct reports.
Directs, in coordination with the Director, all activities in relation to scholarship administration, innovation, initiatives, processes, and procedures.
Evaluates and determines financial need of high-risk students while exercising individualized aid packaging methods and professional judgment options within parameters set by the University, as well as federal regulations.
Cultivates and maintains relationships between the Department and other associated departments such as Admissions, Transfer Center, and Academic Advising.
Serves as a member of the Student Financial Assistance Compliance Committee by providing research, input, and expertise on compliance issues and decisions made on behalf of the collective group with regard to compliance actions to be taken.
Serves as the central point of contact for recruiting and retention related matters, events, etc.
Coordinates communication with prospective students and their parents/guardians, including mailings, texting, emails, calls, and in person events.
Coordinates the Cherry Presidential Scholarship interview, selection, and awarding process while working directly with the members of the Cherry Presidential Scholarship Committee
Assists in the planning of various special events sponsored by, or participated in by the Department.
Assists with University initiatives in identifying trends and researching best practices in student persistence and completion as they pertain to financial assistance
Leading and training all areas supervised by this position in order to ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, achievement of all strategic plan goals, and ensures coverage for all areas coordinated by direct reports.
Review and implement changes to processes and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Maintains departmental website and directs a continual review of content to ensure the most accurate and current information is available to students and their families
Review and recommend changes to student services policies and procedures as necessary.
Compile statistical data and reports to evaluate the effectiveness/efficiency of programs, to generate program changes or additions, and advises the Director on student recruitment and retention efforts.
Represents the Department at VIP tour luncheons.
Other duties as assigned by the Director.
Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
Exemplary student/colleague customer service skills
Self-motivated with ability to multi-task
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment
Attention to detail and accuracy is critical
Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop staff
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and the academic, intellectual, and social development of all students and employees.
Understanding of federal/state aid programs and governing regulations
Job Requirements:
Bachelor's degree
Experience with financial aid programs and/or processes
Knowledge of regulations pertaining to federal, state and/or institutional aid programs
At least five years of experience working with customer service
Supervisory experience
Additional Information:
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.
Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.
Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php
For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.