POSITION TITLE: Scholarship Operations Manager
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Scholarship Operations 
SUPERVISOR: Director of Scholarship Operations
STARTING SALARY RANGE: $52,000-$65,000/annually
LOCATION: In office; Albuquerque, NM

Position Summary:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of scholarship processing

• Advises prospective applicants and institutions, in a timely manner, regarding all program policies, including eligibility, the 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 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 Operations to collect 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 to provide 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, and distributes organizational publications. 

• Participates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, objectives, and 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 in the 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 accomplishing 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. 

A valid driver’s license is required. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of American Indian history, culture, and tribes. 

• Knowledge of student recruitment and retention issues. 

• Knowledge of academic standards governing student probation, suspension, and/or expulsion. 

• Knowledge of integrated functions of financial aid, academic counseling, and general student services. 

• Knowledge of a range of student life issues and concerns including graduate students. 

• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. 

• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic. 

• Ability to provide student career and/or academic guidance and counsel at the college level. 

• Ability to work independently and efficiently 

• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment. 

• Ability to interpret contracts and agreements with funding entities. 

• Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certification, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements. 

• Ability to evaluate student transcripts and/or records and financial need forms. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in writing. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 

• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds, employees, and officials. 

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. 

• Ability to be innovative, creative, and flexible. 

• Ability to write policies and procedures. 

• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action. 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. 

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 

• Skills in operating business computers and office machines, including various software applications, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint). 

• Skills in planning and organizing group activities. 

• Skills in effective meeting facilitation. 

• Skilled in public speaking 

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee, occasionally, is required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must, occasionally, lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting, with a moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel will be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.

Please submit your letter of interest and resume to Careers@NativeForward.org