Berklee College of Music

Director, Student Aid Operations

Berklee College of Music$95K — $125K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 5-7 years of progressive financial aid experience in higher education
  • Proven managerial leadership in fast-paced environments
  • Deep technical expertise in PowerFAIDS and federal financial aid systems
  • Comprehensive understanding of audit procedures and financial aid regulations
  • Outstanding analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and enhance automation and workflows in PowerFAIDS
  • Evaluate and improve SFS technology and business processes
  • Direct data management, security, and reporting initiatives
  • Monitor federal and state aid expenditures and manage drawdowns
  • Lead annual Uniform Guidance Audits and regulatory reviews
  • Translate federal and state regulations into operational policies
  • Lead, mentor, and evaluate the SFS Operations unit

Benefits

  • Innovative role impacting financial barriers for artists worldwide
  • Access to world-class performances on campus
  • Exceptional health and dental packages
  • 403(b) retirement system with matching contributions
  • Generous PTO and tuition assistance
  • Paid winter break for rest and recharge
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the AVP, Student Financial Services, the Director of Student Aid Operations leads the SFS Operations team and oversees all operational, data, and technical processes. Sitting at the vital intersection of financial aid administration and systems engineering, you will optimize software tools, lead packaging automation, drive federal compliance, and ensure dependable aid delivery across all learning environments. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

Key Responsibilities

System Management & Automation:
  • PowerFAIDS Leadership: Oversee and improve automation, financial aid notifications, and awarding workflows in PowerFAIDS to ensure students receive timely aid packages well before billing deadlines. Also oversees systems integrations between Salesforce and Workday to PowerFAIDS.
  • Technology Optimization: Continuously evaluate SFS technology needs, assess business process requirements, and implement system upgrades to maximize automation and communication flows.
  • Data Integrity & Reporting: Direct records management, data security, and QA initiatives. Oversee required state, federal, and institutional reports (e.g., FISAP, ACTS, CDS).


Financial Stewardship & Compliance:
  • Fund Monitoring & Drawdowns: Monitor federal and state aid expenditures, track federal matching requirements, and partner with Finance to execute regular drawdown schedules.
  • Audit Leadership: Serve as the primary institutional contact for the annual Uniform Guidance Audit, as well as federal and state regulatory reviews.
  • Regulatory Interpretation and Compliance: Monitor changing federal and state regulations, translating updates into operational policies and keeping SFS staff fully trained.


Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Team Oversight: Lead, mentor, and evaluate the SFS Operations unit in a high-volume, dynamic environment.
  • Campus Partnerships: Work closely with the One Stop, Student Success Advising, Finance, and Student Accounts to eliminate financial barriers and deliver seamless student service.


What You'll Bring
  • Education: Bachelor's degree required.
  • Experience: 5-7 years of progressive financial aid experience with proven managerial leadership in a fast-paced higher education environment.
  • Systems Expertise: Deep technical expertise in student information systems, specifically PowerFAIDS, alongside a strong mastery of federal financial aid processing systems.
  • Compliance & Audit Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations, audit procedures, and reporting mandates (FISAP, CDS).
  • Core Competencies: Outstanding analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset and an ability to think holistically about process optimization.


Why Choose Berklee?
  • Operational Impact: Innovate and streamline systems that eliminate financial barriers for artists worldwide.
  • Cultural Access: Enjoy nightly, unrivaled access to world-class music, theater, and dance performances across our campus venues.
  • Total Rewards: Exceptional health and dental packages, a 403(b) retirement system with matching contributions, generous PTO, tuition assistance, and a paid winter break to rest and recharge.


Hiring Range:$95,000 to $125,000; salary dependent on experience and education.

Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about our benefits.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Employee Type:
Staff

About Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music is a private music college located in Boston, Massachusetts. The college was founded in 1945 and has grown to become one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. Berklee College of Music offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in music performance, music production, music business, and more. The college has a strong commitment to innovation and has been at the forefront of music education for over 75 years. Berklee College of Music is also committed to diversity and inclusion, and has implemented a number of initiatives to support underrepresented groups in the music industry.
Learn more about Berklee College of Music
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