University of Pittsburgh

Associate Director of Financial Aid Programs

University of Pittsburgh • $75K — $95K *
Pittsburgh, PA 15237In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in higher education financial aid operations
  • Strong understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations
  • Proven ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively
  • Experience in strategic planning and policy development
  • Excellent relationship-building skills with various stakeholders
  • Demonstrated capability in budgeting and fiscal management

Responsibilities

  • Direct and oversee the University’s financial aid program
  • Align financial aid operations with enrollment and student success goals
  • Coordinate resources across multiple teams within the admissions and financial aid office
  • Develop partnerships with external agencies and organizations
  • Manage high-priority initiatives with a focus on communication and outcomes
  • Oversight of budgeting for aid programs and staff supervision
  • Act as a subject-matter expert for complex financial aid issues

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Generous paid time off policy
  • Retirement plan options with employer match
  • Flexible working arrangements available
Full Job Description
Essential Functions

Directs, coordinates, and oversees the University's financial aid program. Ensures that financial aid contributes toward enrollment goals.

Physical Effort

  • Provides strategic leadership and direction for the University's financial aid programs, ensuring alignment with institutional enrollment, retention, and student success goals across all campuses.
  • Oversees and coordinates multiple teams within the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA), setting priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring consistent execution of financial aid operations and policy.
  • Builds and strengthens relationships across OAFA and University units, campuses, and external partners (e.g., federal and state agencies, lending institutions, community organizations) to advance shared enrollment and student support goals.
  • Mobilizes teams and resources across departmental and organizational lines to execute strategic initiatives on behalf of the Director of Financial Aid Programs and Engagement.
  • Provides program management for high-priority, cross-functional initiatives, including planning, timelines, stakeholder communication, risk mitigation, and outcome reporting.
  • Directs the coordination of budgeting and fiscal oversight for institutional, federal, and state aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment funds.
  • Supervises managers and staff, including hiring, performance management, professional development, and overall workforce planning across multiple teams.
  • Participates in the development, revision, and implementation of financial aid policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with evolving federal, state, and institutional regulations.
  • Serves as a subject-matter expert and escalation point for complex financial aid eligibility, compliance, and policy issues requiring specialized knowledge and independent judgment.
  • Represents the financial aid office in University-wide committees, task forces, or initiatives, advocating for student financial aid needs in broader institutional planning.
  • Partners with senior leadership to anticipate trends, assess risk, and recommend strategic direction for financial aid programs and services.
  • Ensures effective communication and change management when rolling out new initiatives, systems, or policy changes across financial aid teams and University partners.

About University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1787 and is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of higher education in the United States. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 17 schools and colleges. The University of Pittsburgh is known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering, business, and law. It is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Pitt Innovation Institute and the Center for Energy.
Learn more about University of Pittsburgh
Size
13,000 employees
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
* Ladders Estimates

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