Scholarships Operations Manager

Overview

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision of the Director of Scholarship Operations, is responsible for ensuring scholarship program delivery and achieving outcome goals in conjunction with the vision, mission and strategic direction of Native Forward. Provides student support and serves as liaison between educational institutions and recipients. Represents Native Forward and strengthens relationships between Native Forward and the educational, Native American and wider community.

 

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

·       Responsible for all aspects of scholarship processing.

·       Advises prospective applicant and institutions, in a timely manner, regarding all program policies, including eligibility, application process, recipient responsibilities and program features.

·       Reviews and processes scholarship applications, as well as financial aid and supporting documents to determine eligibility.

·       Reviews and processes student files to ensure deadlines are met, for completing various scholarship portfolio requirements, such as coursework requirements, thesis, comprehensive examination and other specific program requirements.

·       Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of policies and procedures, as outlined in all contracts.

·       Maintains accurate, secure, and up-to-date student files.

·       Corresponds with applicants, recipients and post-secondary educational institutions, regarding financial aid, scholarship guidelines, procedures and program eligibility. Serves as a liaison between students and educational institutions.

·       Promotes existing and new programs to constituencies and assists in publicizing them through scholarship directories, conferences and meetings, information booths and other appropriate channels.

·       Works with the Director of Scholarship Operating to collects data and provide program information in the form of reports to key stakeholders in all scholarship portfolios

·       Assist with planning, developing and coordinating special projects and other initiatives as directed by the Director of Scholarship Operations.

·       Represents Native Forward, with respect to program activities, on a local, regional and national basis. Attends and participates in individual and group presentations and other information dissemination sessions, provides orientation to visitors, parents and tribal representatives.

·       Performs intermediate data entry and word-processing activities, including merging of letters, data entry and data retrieval.

·       Prepares internal and external, written communications, as assigned, distributes organizational publications.

·       Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short and long-term range planning. Develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishing established goals.

·       Assists other Native Forward program operations and assists in providing training for staff regarding Native Forward.

·       Assists in developing student services programs related to outreach, developing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating a comprehensive outreach program that will assist potential Native Forward Scholarship recipients.

·       Utilizes a database system of recipients and assists with outreach activities.

·       Utilizes a web-based application and communication network for continuing recipients, applicants, recommenders, and reviewers.

·       Creates new scholarship opportunities in the online application system with requirements from the newly established contracts.

·       Assists in tracking and monitoring the Native Forward recipients’ progress toward a degree.

·       Serves on Student of the Month/Year selection committee.

·       Advises recipients who are placed on academic program using the “Back on Track” assessment program.

·       Serves on select boards and advisory committees to increase visibility, advocacy, networking, and fundraising for Native Forward.

·       Maintains strict student confidentiality and compliance with the Family Education Right to Privacy Act.

·       Embodies Native Forward Core Values and promotes the Native Forward organization, staff and programs, in a positive and professional manner.

·       Contributes to a team effort and accomplished related results.

·       Perform other duties as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s Degree preferred, Bachelor’s Degree in related field required, plus two years experience in education, financial aid or related student services environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Valid Driver’s License required. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.