University of Wisconsin-Madison
• $115K — $130K *Qualifications
Responsibilities
Benefits
The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office of Financial Aid Administration (OFAA) and is responsible for the administration, compliance, and delivery of federal, state, and select institutional financial aid programs. The Director serves as the University's principal authority on Title IV and state student financial aid regulations and related compliance matters, ensuring the institution maintains full compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and audit standards.
This position reports to the Chief Enrollment Operations Officer and Executive Director of Student Financial Services (SFS). SFS at UWM is comprised of OFAA, the Office of Student Accounts (OSA), the Office of Student Scholarships (OSS), and the Student Financial Service Center (SFSC). The Director collaborates regularly with the Executive Director and other SFS department leaders to advance a coordinated and strategic approach to supporting student finances.Daily student advising and other outreach and support are provided by dedicated advisors in the SFSC.
As a key member of the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, the Director provides leadership that supports student access, persistence, and completion through efficient, compliant, and student-centered financial aid operations. The Director is responsible forestablishing and maintaining a culture of compliance, continuous improvement, operational excellence, accountability, and collaboration while utilizing technology and data-informed decision making to improve service delivery and institutional effectiveness.
This role offers flexibility for a blended in-office and remote schedule over time. The successful candidate will be expected to report to campus multiple days per week.
Major Responsibilities:40%Administration and Management
The Director of Financial Aid has overall responsibility for directing the administration and management of OFAA. Provides leadership for strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, personnel management, resource allocation, technology utilization, business process improvement, customer service, and operational performance. Directs development, implementation, and assessment of policies and procedures supporting the delivery of governmental financial aid programs. Leads departmental planning efforts aligned with university enrollment goals and student success priorities. Maintains effective staffing levels and develops a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment. Responsible for hiring, supervising, coaching, evaluating, and developing professional staff.
30%Regulatory Compliance, Policy Development and Risk Management
Serves as UWM’s institutional subject matter expert on Title IV student financial aid regulations and state financial aid requirements. Interprets and operationalizes federal statutes, regulations, Dear Colleague Letters, Electronic Announcements, Federal Student Aid Handbook guidance, and state directives. Develops and maintains policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance monitoring practices. Directs institutional preparation for audits, reviews, and federal program reviews. Oversees corrective action activities, identifies compliance risks, and advises university leadership regarding regulatory implications and opportunities to mitigate institutional liability.
15%Federal and State Aid Program Administration and Reporting
Provides direct oversight of federal, state, and select institutional financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, Wisconsin Grant programs, the Milwaukee Tuition Promise program, military and veteran educational benefits coordination, and other governmental aid programs. Overseesthe Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) preparation, reconciliation activities, reporting requirements, fund stewardship, and compliance submissions. Ensures timely awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and administration of aid programs while maximizing operational effectiveness.
10%Leadership, Collaboration, and External Relations
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with university leadership, Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success departments, academic departments, the Universities of Wisconsin System, state agencies, and federal partners. Represents the university in system-wide, state, regional, and national financial aid organizations and discussions. Advises institutional leaders regarding financial aid regulatory changes, compliance implications, and operational best practices. Collaborates with campus partners to support enrollment, retention, affordability, and student success initiatives.
5%Other
Other duties as assigned by university/divisional leadership.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a student-centered institution committed to access, affordability, and student success while leading a talented, veteran team responsible for the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.
As Wisconsin's premier urban research university, UWM serves more than 23,000 students and is a national leader in providing educational opportunity and social mobility. The Director of Financial Aid will play a critical leadership role within Student Financial Services and the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management & Student Success, helping to shape institutional strategy while building upon the strong foundation of an experienced and highly respected staff recognized for its professionalism, dedication, and student-centered approach.
The primary responsibility of the Office of Financial Aid Administration is determining a student’s eligibility for financial aid and veteran related funds while at the same time remaining in compliance with the various federal, state, UW System, and institutional regulations and guidance. We seek a director who will continue the tradition of excellence that has long defined financial aid administration at UWM.
Compensation:$115,000-$130,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience). This position also offers an excellent benefits package, including health insurance, paid sick leave, personal, vacation and legal holiday time off as well as contribution towards the cost of several other employee benefits, including a pension.
Required Qualifications:Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide a cover letter and resume addressing your professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.
Note: Applicants must compl
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