Financial Aid Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Department
ESA Financial Aid and Technologies
About the Department
Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid office at the University of Chicago provides exceptional service to all students and families requesting assistance in financing their education. The Office of Financial Aid has a staff of 20. For more information visit https://financialaid.uchicago.edu/.
Job Summary
The Associate Director of Financial Aid Technology supports the technology environment that enables the deployment of all University Financial Aid, maintaining both the test and production environments in Oracle Campus Solutions (called AIS at UChicago). In addition, this role serves as a financial aid technology expert and collaborates with staff in financial aid offices across campus to develop or enhance financial aid processing.
Collaboration is key for this role, as this position leverages specialized knowledge about financial aid policies, regulations and controls to coordinate with other senior database leaders across campus to ensure accurate exchange of data between systems and the successful deployment of student financial aid. The position requires a passion for working with University technology leaders, an interest in ensuring University compliance with Federal regulations and University-required controls through effective technology, and a commitment to excellence. The ideal candidate will be an energetic and talented technology with a record of success in complex, decentralized environments where collaboration and coalition-building are critical to success.
Responsibilities

• Maintains AIS Financial Aid module in production and multiple test environments.
• Tracks the release of upgrades and fixes targeted for the Financial Aid module so they can be tested and installed in a timely manner.
• Leverages knowledge of best practices to review and test environment upgrade documentation for issues with database tables and dictionaries.
• Maintains efficient methods to track data and report on outcomes as needed.
• Coordinates with other database administrators to ensure accurate exchange of data between systems.
• Responds to internal and external audit requests on student controls.
• Regularly updates AIS Financial Aid module to comply with federal regulations and University required controls.
• Adapts Office of Financial Aid plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges.
• Provides input on decisions and develops policies and procedures based on regulations and University-required controls.
• Provides technical guidance to Financial Aid employees across campus.
• Codes database descriptions and specifies identifiers of database management systems. Tests for consistency and reliability of data throughout database systems. Manages server installations, security, performance monitoring, and maintenance.
• Designs and monitors database administration procedures including backup and recovery. Tests and corrects errors and implements changes to databases. Evaluates which users can access each database and what data can be accessed by each user.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Experience:

• A minimum of five years progressive experience administering student financial aid.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Understanding of functional aspects of Oracle Campus Solutions modules, particularly financial aid.
• Analyze and troubleshoot Campus Solutions issues impacting financial aid processing.
• Proficient at writing queries and creating/editing equations in Oracle Campus Solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to master database programs and learn new technologies.

Preferred Competencies

• Think strategically about how individual work aligns with broader organizational goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated initiative, and work both independently and collaboratively, with flexibility and adaptability.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies.
• Deep commitment to customer service, prioritize and balance different work streams, meet deadlines, and work successfully in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidentiality with student information and other sensitive data.
• Current or previous experience communicating and interacting with clients and/or senior level employees or constituents.

Working Conditions

• Work evening hours and weekends on an occasional basis.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter/Statement of Interest (required)
• Three Professional References (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Information Technology
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$90,000.00 - $105,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.