Director of Financial Aid

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the effective administration of financial aid operations, loan default management, and student account activities. This role ensures full compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies while fostering a student-centered experience that supports retention, academic progress, and success. Reporting to senior leadership, the Director oversees financial aid delivery and operational excellence, leads a high-performing team, provides guidance to students and families on financial options, and collaborates cross-functionally with campus departments and external agencies.

• Lead and manage daily financial aid operations in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations
• Oversee the administration of funding programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and Title IV loans
• Supervise and evaluate staff performance to maintain a student-centered, compliant work environment
• Provide financial literacy and aid counseling to students and families
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Services, Registrar, and related departments to support student retention
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with internal and external audit standards
• Champion operational improvements that streamline processes and enhance student satisfaction
• Evaluate and implement technology tools for optimized delivery of financial aid services
• Monitor performance metrics and drive strategic improvements in financial aid effectiveness
• Maintain, motivate, and develop a high-performing team
• Recognize and reward employee contributions and achievements
• Establish/maintain a high performance team of professional, motivated and engaged staff utilizing effective training, performance management and career-development activities while leading them to achieve established business results and performance metrics
• Recognizes and rewards employee contributions and achievements
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field (required); Master’s degree (preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in a post-secondary education setting (required)
• Minimum five (5) years of supervisory/leadership experience in financial aid operations (preferred)
• Minimum five (5)years’ experience administering Title IV financial aid programs (preferred)
• Title IV proprietary education experience (required)
• Must not be in default on any Federal Student Loans and must remain in good standing while employed (required)
• NASFAA credentials or Title IV-related certifications (preferred)

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of federal/state funding programs, including Title IV, Veterans Affairs, and institutional aid
• Proficient in financial aid systems and student information systems (e.g., Ellucian, Anthology, CampusVue)
• Independently manage complex tasks and projects
• Coach and mentor junior team members
• Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
• Present ideas in a compelling and structured format to diverse audiences
• Demonstrate refined listening skills and emotional intelligence
• Facilitate training sessions and cross-functional meetings
• Drive consistent results in a fast-paced environment
• Leverage enterprise-level tools and systems to streamline processes
• Create new and better ways for the organization to succeed
• Develop people to achieve their goals and support organizational success
• Navigate complex policies, processes, and organizational dynamics with ease
• Operate effectively in uncertainty and ambiguity
• Work independently, escalating complex or high-impact issues
• Drive innovation to improve organizational success
• Develop others to achieve individual and organizational goals
• Navigate complex organizational dynamics with confidence
• Perform effectively amid uncertainty and ambiguity

Work Environment

• This position is an on campus position
• Overnight and/or Local travel required (up to 10%)

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