How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Associate Director of Advising and Eligibility, the Assistant Director for Training oversees the onboarding and training of new staff and ensures ongoing training for current team members in the Office of Financial Aid (OFA). Responsibilities include developing and leading training activities focused on program compliance and integrity, assisting with the creation of policies, processes, and procedures for aid delivery in line with Federal, State, and institutional regulations, implementing office efficiencies, supporting office regulatory compliance, and leveraging training to support a high-quality customer service experience for students, families, campus partners, and external constituents.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan is a premier public research university with more than 52,850 students, including 34,454 undergraduates, and is firmly committed to serving the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic value. U-M is in high demand, with a record of 105,142 undergraduate first-year and transfer applicants in fall 2024 and 8,850 incoming undergraduate students enrolling.
Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) manages U-M's enrollment function to efficiently optimize students' experiences throughout their engagement, from prospect to alumni. The division collaborates with campus partners, faculty, and staff in support of the university's mission.
OEM comprises a dedicated team of more than 200 full-time staff members and up to 400 additional student and temporary staff and is structured in five operational units - the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of New Student Programs, the Office of the Registrar, and OEM Administration. OEM strives to provide excellence in access and support to inspiring learners who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Responsibilities*
70% Training and Evaluation
- Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive employee training program for both new and current staff, with a focus on regulatory compliance, client service, and student eligibility components. This includes coordinating in-service training to provide continuous updates on regulatory changes and process guidance.
- Facilitate onboarding for all new unit staff in collaboration with HR, ITS, and OFA Systems. Advise leadership on training and equipment needs.
- Design, organize, and administer training programs to ensure staff is well-equipped to administer financial aid in compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as university guidelines.
- Assess the training needs of all staff members (regular, temporary, and interns) and develop targeted training plans to enhance existing skills or teach new ones. Partner with the OEM HR Team to assess needs, increase learning opportunities and maximize efforts.
- Develop and implement metrics to evaluate training effectiveness and adjust programs based on performance data and feedback. Stay current on best practices and trends in employee development, ensuring training materials are up-to-date and aligned with regulatory requirements. This will require regular participation in professional development opportunities including seminars and conferences, to stay informed on Title IV financial aid regulations.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
20% Management and Supervision
- Assists OFA Associate Directors to develop and document procedures, provides general instruction/updates, and advises Associate Directors of issues/activities/concerns.
- Supervises temporary staff and graduate interns staff. Assists in hiring, selection and development of staff members including performance management.
- Identifies issues and resolves problems. Advises OFA staff on pertinent issues (e.g. regulations, statistics, processing issues/ concerns/ ideas, etc.) and develops recommendations for approval. Makes recommendations to the Associate Director regarding employment, annual performance evaluations and merit programs.
- Manage the OFA Training Team by collaborating with OFA units to identify appropriate team members and organize responsibilities. Ensure consistency and accuracy in training, keep the team informed of policy and procedure updates, and hold regular meetings
10% Act in lieu of Associate Director, Senior Associate Director or Director as needed to represent the Office of Financial Aid at meetings, councils and/or professional events.
- Participates in development of forms and informational materials.
- Maintains thorough knowledge of federal, state and University policies and regulations governing financial aid programs.
- Represent the unit at work coordination meetings and participates as a task team member. Represents OFA at professional conferences, workshops and other professional development activities as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's Degree and three years of financial aid experience
- Professional experience in developing and facilitating educational content or delivering effective training programs.
- Demonstrated understanding of complex federal, state, and institutional student aid regulations
- Experience working with FERPA and Federal Student Aid privacy guidance
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to convey information effectively, engage trainees, and foster a positive learning environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with various individuals and teams to maintain an inclusive environment.
- The ability to manage and organize complex information; ability to use analysis and critical thinking skills to solve problems.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience working in a decentralized higher education environment.
- Demonstrated ability to incorporate innovative practices into the workplace to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of training.
- Working knowledge of Oracle PeopleSoft.
Modes of Work
The Office of Enrollment Management requires a hybrid work arrangement of a minimum of three days on-site and two remote days. Thursday is an on-site work day for all divisional staff, and this leadership role may require daily work onsite at certain times.
Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.