Financial Aid Director

Job Description

Job Description

The Financial Aid Director leads PCI Health Training Center's financial aid operations and holds primary responsibility for the institution's compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act, U.S. Department of Education regulations, ACCSC accreditation standards, and Texas Workforce Commission requirements. The Director oversees the awarding and disbursement of all student aid, supervises and develops the financial aid team, safeguards the school's Program Participation Agreement, and partners with leadership to support enrollment, student success, and institutional integrity. This is a leadership role requiring deep regulatory knowledge and sound judgment. 

Key Responsibilities  

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight  

• Ensure institutional compliance with all Title IV federal regulations, ACCSC standards, TWC rules, and applicable state and federal law. 
• Administer and safeguard the school's Program Participation Agreement (PPA) and eligibility for federal student aid. 
• Oversee verification, packaging, disbursement, and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) processes for accuracy and timeliness. 
• Manage federal and state reporting, including FISAP, cohort default rate monitoring, gainful employment/disclosure requirements, and the 90/10 calculation. 
• Prepare for and support annual A-133/compliance and financial statement audits, program reviews, and accreditation visits; implement corrective action as needed. 
• Maintain and update the financial aid Policies and Procedures Manual. 

Operations & Awarding  

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the financial aid office across [campus/campuses]. 
• Ensure accurate awarding of Pell Grants, Direct Loans, state, institutional, and third-party funding (including VA benefits where applicable). 
• Reconcile Title IV funds monthly in coordination with the business office (G5, COD, and NSLDS). 
• Oversee SAP evaluation as it relates to aid eligibility and coordinate with academic and student services teams. 

Leadership & Management  

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate financial aid advisors and support staff. 
• Establish performance goals, provide ongoing coaching, and ensure staff stay current on regulatory changes. 
• Serve as the institution's subject-matter expert and escalation point for complex student cases and professional judgment decisions. 

Student & Institutional Support  

• Partner with Admissions and academic leadership to support enrollment, retention, and completion. 
• Ensure students receive clear, accurate, and ethical information about aid, costs, and obligations. 
• Uphold FERPA and protect the confidentiality and security of student financial data. 
• Represent the financial aid office to leadership, regulators, auditors, and accreditors. 

Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree required [or equivalent combination of education and directly related experience]. 
• 3–5+ years of progressive financial aid experience at a Title IV–participating institution, with prior supervisory or management experience strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated, current knowledge of Title IV regulations, R2T4, verification, packaging, and federal reporting. 
• Experience preparing for and responding to audits, program reviews, and/or accreditation visits. 
• Proficiency with federal systems (FAFSA/ISIR, COD, NSLDS, G5) and student information / financial aid software. 
• Proven ability to manage deadlines, maintain accuracy, and lead a team in a regulated environment. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience at an ACCSC-accredited and/or TWC-regulated career or proprietary institution. 
• Familiarity with career-college funding, VA education benefits, and Texas Veterans Commission approval. 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus. 

Competencies  

Regulatory expertise and integrity; strong leadership and staff development; analytical and detail-oriented; clear communicator with students, staff, and regulators; sound professional judgment; collaborative and mission-driven. 

Work Environment  

On-campus leadership role with regular interaction across departments and, at times, with regulators and auditors. Some evening hours and [travel between Dallas and Richardson campuses] may be required, particularly around disbursement, reporting, and audit periods.