Manager, Satisfactory Academic Progress and Professional Judgment

This job carries with it the obligation to uphold the Mission of Lone Star College (LSC) in carrying out the duties of the position. A commitment to positive interpersonal behaviors, professional communication, integrity, leadership, stewardship, respect and accountability to LSC students and employees is essential.

Cultural Beliefs

• One LSC
• Student Focused
• Own It
• Foster Belonging
• Cultivate Community
• Choose Learning

The Chronicle of Higher Education's "Great Colleges to Work For" is designed to recognize colleges that have been successful in creating great workplaces and to further research and understanding of the factors, dynamics and influences that have the most impact on organizational culture at higher education institutions.

Lone Star College has been recognized in multiple categories.

Lone Star College-System Office, University Park

Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 80,000+ students each semester. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College.

Lone Star College-System Office employees are based at one of two System Office locations; The Woodlands and University Park. Both are the site for multiple administrative departments and system-wide training programs.

Location address is 20515 SH 249 (SH 249 and Louetta Road) Houston, Texas 77070-2607.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Manager, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Professional Judgment (PJ) for FA System Operations plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity, compliance, and efficiency of financial aid processes related to SAP and PJ decisions. This position is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of system operations that support SAP evaluations and PJ processing within the financial aid system. The manager collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and timely data integration, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement. The role involves high-level analysis, system configuration, policy interpretation, and operational leadership to support equitable and effective financial aid decisions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Oversees the configuration, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of SAP and Professional Judgment processes within the financial aid system to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations
2. Acts as the primary liaison with third-party verification and PJ servicers; ensure accurate and timely transmission and receipt of student files, corrections, and documentation
3. Reviews and processes updates and corrections resulting from verification and PJ decisions, and repackage financial aid awards accordingly to reflect changes in eligibility
4. Conducts regular audits and quality control reviews of files processed by third-party servicers to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable policies
5. Ensures timely and consistent review of SAP appeals submitted by students, including coordination with appeal committees or reviewers, and implementation of decisions in the financial aid system
6. Develops and delivers comprehensive training for financial aid staff on SAP, Professional Judgment, and verification policies and procedures, ensuring uniform understanding and application
7. Maintains in-depth knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, state requirements, and institutional policies related to SAP, verification, and professional judgment, and apply this knowledge to inform practices and decisions
8. Analyzes data trends related to SAP, PJs, and verification activities to support compliance, operational efficiency, and student success. Prepare reports for leadership and regulatory purposes as needed
9. Collaborates with internal teams and external partners to evaluate and improve workflows, system integrations, and student communications related to SAP, verification, and PJ processes
10. Ensures all SAP and PJ documentation is maintained in accordance with audit and federal standards, and assist in preparing materials for internal or external audits
11. Responsible for other reasonable, related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth understanding of federal Title IV regulations, including SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress), Professional Judgment, and verification requirements, as well as relevant state and institutional financial aid policies
• Strong working knowledge of financial aid management system (PeopleSoft) and experience working with third-party servicers and secure data file exchanges
• Ability to analyze complex data sets, identify discrepancies, and make accurate decisions regarding aid eligibility, compliance, and process improvements
• High level of accuracy in processing student data and aid packages; strong focus on compliance and quality assurance
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain complex regulations clearly to staff, students, and stakeholders

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items, such as papers, books, or small parts; or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS:

• Equipment used includes, PC workstation running on a LAN in a Microsoft Windows environment, calculator, phone and other general office equipment
• Interface with internal and external contacts as needed to carry out the functions of the position
• Work is performed in a climate-controlled office with minimal exposure to safety hazards

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be in good standing with the Department of Education
• Must successfully complete all National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NAFSAA) Professional Credentials within one year of hire according to the schedule provided by supervisor

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a financial aid office for a higher education institution
• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NAFSAA) Credentialed Professional or Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) certification

Hiring salary range is $51,761 - $59,526.

Lone Star College provides a hiring salary range for all posted full-time non-faculty positions. Where your salary offer would fall in that range is determined by your related experience and education. Should you receive an offer of employment from Lone Star College, the resume submitted in the application process will be utilized to calculate your salary offer. The information outlined below will provide the Office of Human Resources everything needed to determine an accurate starting salary.

Your resume should provide a complete picture of your work experience. The resume should include the following information for each position listed:

1. Length of time (specific months and years) of employment
2. If the position was full time or part time
3. If the position was paid or unpaid
4. Level of degree completed including date earned.
5. Unofficial transcript for highest earned degree

Additionally, any certifications listed as required or preferred in the Lone Star College job description should be included in the resume submitted.

By joining our top-notch institution, you will enjoy being a part of an organization that offers a supportive, collegial work environment and excellent work/life balance. This includes a full comprehensive and competitive benefits package, a generous number of paid holidays and vacation days, wellness programs, tuition waiver, professional development opportunities and more.

Go to the Job Search page, click on 'My Activities' at the top of the page. Under My Cover Letters and Attachments you will click on 'Add Attachment.' Please be sure to put the Job ID# in the title once you name your file for cover letters only, unless you attached your cover letter with your resume.

If you are applying for an Instructional position (i.e. Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, Instructor), please ensure you include the following to be considered: Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Teaching Philosophy, and unofficial transcripts.

You must limit your file name for any attachment to 40 characters or less.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE ONLY

We will not accept application material received via fax, email, mail, or hand delivered.

Postings for part-time and adjunct positions are active for the academic year. By selecting the option to receive notifications on your profile, you will begin receiving electronic communication regarding new opportunities with Lone Star College (LSC).

If selected for an interview, a recruiter will contact you by phone, or email to schedule an interview.

Lone Star College participates in the E-Verify program, under which Lone Star College provides the federal government with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm that the employee is authorized to work in the United States.

More information on the E-Verify program is available at www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Lone Star College is an EEO Employer. All positions are subject to a criminal background check.