ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROJECTS, HIGHER EDUCATION (&28)
In the unclassified service, Assistant Director, Office of Special Projects, Higher Education is appointed rather than examined for, and its pay is often negotiated case by case.
What it takes is 1 year of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $91,628 to $134,900.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Assistant Director, Office of Special Projects, Higher Education is used at one independent authority, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general supervision of the Director, Office of Special Projects, assists in project planning, statistical analyses, budgeting, and coordination of student assistance programs and administration of special projects; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Responsible for providing all materials regarding projections and simulations to assist in the preparation of annual Department budget, as well as determining increases in the categories of students eligible for assistance and the fiscal impacts, advises the Director on budget problems and recommends solutions.
- Assists in the coordination and planning of program operations for all areas within the Office of Student Assistance. This will include, but not be limited to, reports on applicants, and statistics of students determined eligible for assistance.
- Assists in the administrative responsibility for special programs, including Title I (Continuing Education and Community Service), Veterans Affairs, and Grants Officer; assists in the supervision and coordination of their work.
- Supervises program staff assigned on short and long-term project basis.
- Participates in seminars and meetings relative to Title I, Veterans Affairs and Grants operations; recommends improvements and oversees implementation of changes in programs.
- Interprets federal and State statutes as they pertain to special programs and student assistance.
- Coordinates with Grants Office in seeking external funding where necessary. Acts as liaison in recommending and implementing federal changes that have an effect on the operation of Student Assistance programs administered by the Department; makes recommendations to aid New Jersey programs. Conducts analyses to identify impact of federal policy changes on New Jersey programs.
- Conducts policy analyses and determines implications on proposed program changes regarding eligibility and funding.
- Responsible for the coordination of program rules and regulations for all student assistance programs administered by the Department.
- Designs and implements special studies, as requested.
- Acts as liaison with Department of Higher Education Research Office to insure compatibility and coordinated use of data.
- Works with representatives of the colleges to implement policy changes, as necessary.
- Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
- May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor`s degree.
Experience
Three years of experience in policy development and implementation. At least one year of experience in research design and use of descriptive statistics:
May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledges and Abilities
Ability to use computer hardware and software with regard to simulations and projections.
Basic knowledge of descriptive statistics and the ability to present statistical material clearly and cogently.
Ability to make clear oral and written presentations of material.
General knowledge of financial aid program objectives and procedures and of campus financial aid operations.
Ability to understand and apply federal statutes and regulations on student assistance, community service, veterans affairs, and grants.
Ability to work well with other professional staff in role as coordinator and planner.
Ability to evaluate programs, analyze their effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.