Position Summary:
Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment, the Director of Financial Aid provides leadership for all aspects of awarding eligible students financial aid and scholarships. The Director oversees all administrative functions related to compliance with both public and private regulatory bodies, manages the financial aid/scholarship process, and ensures excellent customer service to students, faculty and staff. The Director is a vital member of university committees, gathering and reporting on pertinent data in order to communicate the financial aid and scholarship impact on recruitment and enrollment. The Director is a key member of the Enrollment Management staff, and frequently interacts with Admissions, Advising, Athletics, Human Resources, Graduate Studies, Title V, Registrar, Student Services, Faculty, and Finance Departments.Specific Job Duties:
- Develops and directs financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management objectives of the University.
- Develops, recommends and implements university policies, procedures and methods to coordinate financial aid functions within the university.
- Provides transformational leadership by hiring, supervising, and developing a productive and effective staff including, administrative, professional, student and clerical support personnel.
- Maintains familiarity with laws and regulations related to financial aid. Disseminates information to appropriate personnel and directs training to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and institutional regulations. Responsible for all financial aid audits and reporting.
- Counsels students and family members on various aspects of financial aid programs and facilitates the application process.
- Conducts financial aid seminars and markets the availability of financial aid to various groups and individuals to promote enrollment in the university.
- Serves as data governance subject matter expert for the department and is responsible for definitions, processes and procedures, quality, accuracy and maintenance.
- Part of the university's Strategic Enrollment Management and Retention team.
- Coordinate with the Office Student Business Services, Adams State Foundation, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Academic Affairs, and Records to facilitate the financial aid process.
- Responsible for the annual audit process of Title IV, State and Institutional funds.
- Stay abreast of all Federal, State and college financial aid policies and procedures and maintain compliance with regulations and guidelines for all Federal and State Funds.
- Prepare reports required by Federal and State agencies regarding the use of financial aid awards.
- Supervises administrative and classified staff.
- Responsible for daily exchange of electronic information through the use of the institutionally integrated software system (WorkDay) and supporting software (i.e. EDConnect, SAIG, COD, NSLDS and CPS). And investigates, analyzes and resolves complex individual student cases regarding discrepant data and/or matters pertaining to the student accounts.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field
- Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field preferred
- Five years of progressive experience in higher education financial aid administration, with a minimum of two years in a supervisory or management capacity
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, school officials and federal and state agencies.
- Strong analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Advanced knowledge of awarding and delivery of financial aid funds.
- Experience working with a variety of state agencies to deliver funding to qualified students
The salary range for this position is $76,400-$107,000. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit our Human Resources Benefits Page.
How to Apply:
All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State Universitys Workday application portal.
No other format of application material will be accepted.
Completed applications include the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary at the time of appointment)
- Three professional references, including phone number and email for each
For full consideration, applications should be received by 10/30/2026. Review of applications will begin immediately as they are received.
The position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.
Questions about the position may be directed to Mark Buck at mbuck@adams.edu
