Associate Director for Systems Operations

Location: Blacksburg
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

This position is responsible for spearheading and implementing University Scholarships and Financial Aid’s (USFA) Banner optimization efforts (including a move to Banner SaaS); leading the day-to-day operations of USFA’s Systems Team; and managing competing priorities set forth by the USFA’s Leadership Team. The position is responsible for the configuration, operation, and maintenance of technology systems used to administer financial aid as well as overseeing the design and execution of operational processes and procedures for timely and efficient awarding, disbursement, tracking, and quality assurance reviews of financial aid programs. This position works collaboratively with campus colleagues including Undergraduate Admissions, Registrar’s Office, Bursar’s Office, and Academic Information Systems. It is responsible for managing and implementing complex projects independently and providing recommendations on future enhancements and emerging technologies that will streamline workflows and provide robust financial aid processes. Ensures set-up and effective use of external systems such as NSLDS, FPS, COD, EdConnect, TDClient, SAIG, Blackbaud Award Management, and ELM. Troubleshoots Banner system issues and is responsible for all system upgrades including scheduling, impact analysis, testing, and implementation in coordination with the Academic Information Systems team. Specifically, works to fully realize adoption of Banner 9 modernization efforts and the move to Banner SaaS. Ensures data import and export flows between systems effectively. Creates formulas and processes for monitoring the university’s student financial aid systems and builds & monitors the system rules and operations. Assists in developing financial aid packaging philosophy by modeling and simulating packaging runs. Provides support to staff dealing with system and technology issues. Reviews user needs on requests for system enhancements and develops proposed solutions, project plans, and timelines as necessary. Researches and understands new requirements and identifies methods for the university to meet compliance through the current system. Coordinates annual new aid year set up as well as special projects. Stays current on modifications to Banner through Ellucian’s Customer Center and seamlessly integrates improvements with current system functionality to meet and maintain compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations. Maintains a working knowledge of current issues and trends occurring in the Banner community and utilizes those resources to research, identify, and propose process improvements for USFA. Serves as an active member of USFA’s Leadership Team, setting priorities and roadmaps for USFA in conjunction with all members. Performs other duties, as assigned. Required Qualifications Successful candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Business Information Technology, or other related field and significant training and/or experience working with information systems, databases, and system performance. Expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of applications; demonstrated in-depth experience working with relational database designs and writing SQL; and, demonstrated ability to work independently in a complex business environment. Must also be able to work as a part of a team with strong communication skills and the ability to multi-task and successfully complete assignments and projects under tight deadlines. Ability to effectively work with and communicate with a wide range of constituents in both technical and functional capacities. Demonstrated ability to use data analytics to support and conduct reviews of business policies and procedures. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in information systems, computer science, or a related field of study. Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations. Significant experience working with Ellucian Banner (specifically the Banner Financial Aid module); COD, FPS, SAIG, NSLDS, and ELM. Web programming experience using HTML, JavaScript, and/or PGP; and SQR. Appointment Type Regular Salary Information Salary commensurate with experience, a budget max of $125,000 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Keywords: , Greensboro , Associate Director for Systems Operations, IT / Software / Systems , Blacksburg, North Carolina