Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Assistant Director of Financial Aid, System Support Analyst (Hybrid) in Amherst, Massachusetts
Assistant Director of Financial Aid, System Support Analyst (Hybrid)
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=524172&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 524172
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:Financial Aid
Union:PSU
Categories: Financial Aid
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Financial Aid, System Support Analyst is a crucial member of the Enrollment Management division, responsible for overseeing and maintaining the PeopleSoft student information system (SIS) to ensure smooth financial aid processes. This role includes system testing, troubleshooting, data reporting, and query creation to support financial aid staff. Additionally, the Assistant Director manages data exchanges with the Department of Education, performs annual system setup, and updates internal controls and student forms.
Essential Functions
System Coordination and Development
Collaborates with Enrollment Management Information Technologies (EMIT), Campus Information Technologies (IT) and other functional offices (Records, Bursar, Admissions, University Analytics and Institutional Research, etc.) to maintain and enhance the SIS.
Works with the Director and Associate Directors of Financial Aid Services to develop strategic computing plans, evaluate software and hardware solutions, and coordinate upgrades and installations.
Collaborates with technical and non-technical implementation staff to configure software, perform detailed “hands-on” testing, and verify data conversion. Analyzes system functionality and business processes and writes modification requests and specifications.
System Monitoring and Testing
Monitors Oracle updates, organizes testing plan, and communicates timelines to the financial aid production team.
Identifies, replicates, reports, and monitors system issues and resolutions to minimize disruptions. Writes modification requests and specifications for enhancements to existing application panels.
Manages detailed testing of upgrades and customizations.
Query and Data Reporting
Generates and submits accurate data reports to federal and various educational agencies and campus constituencies using SQL, SQR data extraction tools.
Develops and maintains queries to support daily operations of the financial aid staff.
Uses People Soft Query and other tools to updates, extract, and interpret data for reports and other outputs.
Writes and modifies PC-based applications to meet the business needs of the financial aid services area, including development work in MS Access, with other programming tools and with document-imaging technology.
Provides training and support to staff on query usage and data extraction techniques.
Data Exchanges with the Department of Education
Oversees file monitoring and troubleshooting for Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) exchanges and ensures the successful import of data into SIS.
Ensures the accuracy and timeliness of data exchanges.
System Documentation
Prepares, updates, and maintains general and technical reports, process calendars, and other documentation.
Ensures all documentation is up-to-date and accessible.
Updates and maintains the financial aid production calendar to ensure annual tasks and processes occur in a timely and accurate manner.
Annual System Setup
Coordinates and performs annual setup tasks for the financial aid system, ensuring all configurations are aligned with current policies and regulations.
Uses FTP to process external file loads efficiently and securely.
Updates and maintains internal controls to support compliance and operational efficiency.
Technical Support and Leadership
Represents the Office of Financial Aid Services on University committees relating to data, computing policies/directions, and production job scheduling.
Liases with appropriate offices to ensure planning and development activities are integrated appropriately.
Designing Student Forms and Website Updates
Designs and updates student forms to meet regulatory needs, provide efficient data collection, and manage bar coding for document imaging.
Maintains and updates the financial aid section of the university website.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor's Degree.
More than three (3) years of related administrative or computing experience.
Demonstrated experience with PeopleSoft or similar Enterprise Information Systems.
Experience with SQL query creation and statistical data reporting.
Familiarity with FTP and file processing protocols.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders (technical, non-technical, all organizational levels) and manage multiple tasks effectively.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Experience in a Higher Education environment.
Understanding of financial aid processes and regulations.
Experience analyzing SQR or other programming languages.
Business analyst experience with technical and non-technical staff.
Knowledge of web design principles and experience with content management systems.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment. Domestic travel may be required for conference or training.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week with the potential of some evening, weekend work during peak periods.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
PSU Level 28.
Exempt Hiring Ranges. (https://www.umass.edu/hr/documents/exempt-hiring-ranges)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Jul 25 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 25 2024 Eastern Daylight Time