Financial Aid, Director

Job Description

The Director of Financial Aid/Student Financial Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Office of Student Financial Services. This role is responsible for the compliant administration of all institutional, federal, and state financial aid and scholarship programs, as well as financial aid processing operations and regulatory reporting. The Director plays a key role in supporting the University’s enrollment, retention, and net tuition revenue goals through the development and implementation of effective financial aid strategies.

As a member of the Enrollment Management Leadership Team, the Director collaborates closely with academic departments, Institutional Advancement, the Business Office, and other administrative and student services units. A critical partnership exists with the Bursar’s Office, with whom the Director works directly to ensure seamless coordination of student billing, aid disbursement, and account resolution.

The Director is also responsible for promoting a student-centered culture by educating students and their families about college financing options, empowering them to make informed financial decisions. The role includes fostering professional development among staff and cultivating a service-oriented environment focused on student success.Key Responsibilities

Ensure full compliance with federal Title IV, state, NCAA, and institutional regulations; serve as primary liaison during internal and external audits.

Plan, develop, and administer institutional, federal, state, and scholarship aid programs, ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, procedures, audit requirements, and deadlines.

Stay current with evolving federal and state regulations through ongoing research and participation in professional development opportunities.

Collaborate with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to develop annual financial aid budgets, policies, and procedures that support enrollment and strategic plan objectives.

Supervise the management of the student aid system, including data integrity, compliance reporting, timely disbursement, reconciliation of funds, and audit preparation.

Work directly with the Bursar’s Office to coordinate financial aid disbursement, student billing, and account resolution processes.

Develop and maintain a student-centric culture of customer service, ensuring that students and families are well-informed about financial aid processes and college financing options.

Provide outreach and education on financial literacy and aid options through various channels, including workshops, digital content, and one-on-one counseling.

Train, supervise, and evaluate Student Financial Services staff, fostering a collaborative, cross-trained, and high-performing team.

Develop and manage the office budget and oversee resource allocation to ensure operational efficiency.

Collaborate with Enrollment Management and Business Office leadership to develop financial aid and budget forecasts.

Partner with Marketing and Enrollment Management to create effective communications regarding financial aid and financial literacy across web, digital, and social media platforms.

Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s is strongly preferred, with progressively responsible (minimum of six years) experience and success in financial aid or related area, preferably in a private post-secondary education environment.Experience

Demonstrated ability to develop and manage institutional, federal, and state financial aid programs, while maintaining compliance with rapidly changing policies

Strategic understanding of how scholarships and financial aid can be leveraged to support enrollment and retention goals.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; detail-oriented with a high level of technological proficiency.

Experience using student information systems to support financial aid operations; familiarity with PowerFAIDS preferred.

Knowledge of Slate CRM is preferred.

Commitment to educational access and a deep understanding of the financial challenges facing students and families.

Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically.

High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity; strong work ethic, creativity, and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

The ability to serve as an articulate advocate for the institution’s mission and values.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.