Frank Lai
Chicago,IL
Summary
A seasoned higher education professional adept in admissions, recruitment, and student services, pursuing a leadership position to drive enrollment strategies and enhance student experiences. With a successful track record spanning roles at Loyola University Chicago and Northwestern University, I aspire to leverage my expertise in recruitment, project management, and financial aid management to foster organizational growth and success within a dynamic setting.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Admissions
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2021 - Current
- Engage and provide comprehensive support to prospective graduate students throughout all phases of the recruitment process, aligning their goals with strategic enrollment objectives.
- Communicate with prospective students via calls, emails, and one-on-one meetings to promote Loyola University's graduate programs and address inquiries effectively.
- Review applications meticulously and ensure timely notification of admission decisions to applicants, typically within a week.
- Develop and execute dynamic marketing campaigns in Slate CRM to improve conversion metrics, and increased enrollment by 20%
- Develop compelling email content and design templates to effectively convey the value propositions of Loyola University's graduate programs and drive engagement.
- Implement automated email workflows to nurture leads and guide prospective students through the application process, enhancing their overall experience and increasing application completion rates.
- Design, execute, and continually refine recruitment events to create impactful opportunities for prospective students to engage with the university community.
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL
04.2016 - 01.2021
- Orchestrated and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Student Financial Services department, providing strategic leadership and direction to a team of 5 direct reports responsible for managing critical functions including Student Accounts, Student Payroll, federal and private loan processing, and Continuing Studies programs.
- Implemented efficient processes and workflows to optimize the delivery of financial services to students, ensuring timely and accurate responses to students.
- Led the initiation, planning, execution, and monitoring of various departmental projects, leveraging a proactive approach to develop detailed forecasts, establish clear project objectives, and allocate resources effectively.
- Played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of written policies, procedures, and execution plans, meticulously documenting operational guidelines and compliance protocols to uphold regulatory standards and institutional policies.
- Remained updated on federal and state financial aid regulations, guidelines, and policies, ensuring adherence and adjusting institutional practices as needed.
- SAIC was ranked the number 1 art school in the nation in 2018
Assistant Director
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
01.2013 - 04.2016
- Conducted thorough assessments to determine financial aid eligibility for prospective and current students, taking into account various factors such as income, assets, family size, and academic standing.
- Applied independent judgment and expertise in analyzing federal and institutional methodology, interpreting complex university guidelines, and exercising discretion when reviewing requests for waivers, adjustments, and appeals to ensure fair and equitable distribution of financial aid resources.
- Provided personalized and professional counseling to parents, students, and staff, offering detailed information on financial aid options, eligibility criteria, and alternative financing solutions. Skillfully assessed financial situations and extenuating circumstances to tailor financial aid packages to meet individual needs.
- Managed program areas encompassing federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, meticulously maintaining regulatory compliance and fiscal integrity in accordance with government regulations and university policies.
- Stayed abreast of evolving federal and state financial aid regulations, guidelines, and policies, ensuring compliance and adapting institutional practices accordingly.
Associate Director of Student Financial Services
Illinois Institute Of Art - Chicago
Chicago, IL
09.2009 - 01.2013
- Directed and supervised the Financial Aid Office, leading a team of 7 direct reports and providing comprehensive training, guidance, and support to ensure staff competence and performance excellence.
- Enforced strict adherence to federal and institutional compliance standards within the Financial Aid Office, conducting regular audits and reviews to identify and address any potential non-compliance issues promptly.
- Personally met with prospective students to assess their financial aid eligibility, conducting thorough evaluations based on federal regulations and institutional policies to determine appropriate aid packages.
- Presented clear and comprehensive overviews of financial aid packages and financing options to prospective students, providing detailed explanations and guidance to help them make informed decisions regarding their education funding.
- Work cohesively with the Admissions Department in order to facilitate outstanding service to present and prospective students.
- Organized group training sessions and workshops to facilitate knowledge sharing and skill development among SFS and the admissions team. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including compliance updates, technological advancements, and emerging trends in financial aid administration.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, ILSkills
- Project Management
- Email Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Training and Development
- Data Analysis
- Task Delegation
Timeline
Assistant Director of Admissions
Loyola University Chicago
01.2021 - Current
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
04.2016 - 01.2021
Assistant Director
Northwestern University
01.2013 - 04.2016
Associate Director of Student Financial Services
Illinois Institute Of Art - Chicago
09.2009 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Illinois At Chicago
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