Associate Director of Financial Aid – Operations & Funds Management (SA26038)

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

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Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on July 13, 2026 and continue until the position has been filled.

POSITION: Probationary; Range D*

Job Description

This position manages the operations, administration, implementation, and oversight of federal and state student financial aid programs such as, but not limited to, Federal/State grants, scholarships, Federal Loans, and private loan programs. Significant responsibilities include quality assurance and time-sensitive troubleshooting activities for compliance, data collection/review/reporting, oversight of reconciliation, managing aid application tracking/processing, packaging, and aid disbursement processes. The Associate Director provides supervision, evaluation, and work direction for four full time classified staff. This position provides detailed and on-going training and serves as an expert for Campus Hub student services, Financial Aid team members, other University staff, and statewide financial aid conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree with at least three (3) years progressively responsible financial aid administration in a college/university setting. OR Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years of progressively responsible financial aid administration in a college/university setting.

• At least (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse clientele including the commitment to equity and inclusion in the learning and work environment.

• Experience which demonstrates advanced knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to utilize research to inform, analyze and execute changes to current or proposed polices/procedures/regulations to ensure continued compliance with regulations,system board policy, and University policies/procedures.

Preferred Qualification 

• Excellent speaking, writing, organizational, and technology skills.

• Proficiency with the Minnesota State Integrated Statewide Record System (ISRS), Work Day, or similar student information system.

• Demonstrated experience providing training to others (peers, supervisees, other University faculty/staff) on financial aid administration (or similar topic).

• Ability to manage multiple work/project plans with high complexity and risk.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee. If you need to submit more than five attachments, please contact us directly and we will assist with uploading the additional documents on your behalf.

• Cover Letter

• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae

• Contact Information for three (3) references

• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree

• A brief (no more than one-page) diversity statement presenting a commitment to or experience working in an equity-minded environment

Other Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

Abilitytoworkflexiblescheduleduringpeaktimes,some evening/weekends, and/or as processes may require.

Attendance at conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings which require travel and overnight stays (such as local, state, regional and national conferences and professional development opportunities).

Telework

Yes- Up to 20% of the time. Based on the essential functions of this position, MMB Policy #1422, and University policies relating to flexible work, this position is eligible for the following work modes:

• Case by Case/Situational Telework: Apositionthatmayincludeatemporaryreassignment or work outside the permanent/principal work location to meet short-term needs

About

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu.

• The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:· Enhancing access and student success.· Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.· Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.

Destination 2030, the University’s strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in August 2023, commits the University to making transformative strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in transformational learning generating inspired action; being a nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name—Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor’s through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota’s the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Craig Sanderson

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-5124

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: craig.sanderson@mnsu.edu

*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota State University Administrative and Service Faculty which can be found at: https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN State’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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