Director OF Financial Aid

Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid Bradley University seeks a strategic, collaborative, and analytically driven leader to serve as its inaugural Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid (AVPFA). Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications, this role is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive financial aid strategy that advances the University's enrollment goals, strengthens net tuition revenue, and ensures long-term fiscal sustainability. The AVPFA serves as the University's lead architect for financial aid leveraging strategy and a key advisor to senior leadership on pricing, discounting, and enrollment performance. This leader will guide the development of multi-year modeling strategies, oversee the selection and optimization of financial aid leveraging partners, and ensure data-driven decision-making across all student populations. Bradley seeks a highly collaborative and forward-thinking leader who brings deep expertise in financial aid strategy, predictive modeling, and regulatory compliance, while fostering a student-centered and service-oriented culture. Experience with systems such as PowerFAIDS, Blackbaud Award Management, Workday, and Slate is preferred. Key Responsibilities Strategic Financial Aid Leadership Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-year financial aid strategy aligned with the University's Strategic Enrollment Management plan Partner with senior leadership to align financial aid strategy with institutional priorities, including enrollment growth, academic program strength, and financial sustainability Serve as the University's primary advisor on financial aid leveraging, optimizing the balance of discount rate, net tuition revenue, and student profile across undergraduate, transfer, graduate, online, and international populations Oversee predictive modeling and scenario planning to inform enrollment and revenue projections Maximize the strategic value of financial aid leveraging and analytics partners, ensuring insights directly drive institutional decision-making Compliance, Risk, and Policy Leadership Serve as the University's primary authority on federal and state financial aid compliance, ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements Provide strategic interpretation of regulatory changes and guide institutional response across policy, systems, and communication Oversee financial aid reporting and audit readiness through strong internal controls and accountability structures Establish and maintain institutional policies that ensure compliance while supporting enrollment and student success goals Operational Strategy and Systems Integration Provide executive oversight of financial aid operations, ensuring efficient, accurate, and student-centered delivery through a strong leadership team Lead the strategic integration and optimization of financial aid systems, including Workday, Blackbaud, and Slate, aligning technology with institutional goals and student experience Champion process improvement and innovation to enhance service delivery, reduce complexity, and improve outcomes for students and families Provide expert level experience in industry best practices, including industry best-practice system solutions Leadership and Organizational Development Lead a high-performing, collaborative financial aid team with a focus on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement Establish a culture of professional development, cross-training, and operational excellence Oversee departmental planning, resource allocation, and budget management to ensure alignment with strategic priorities Institutional Collaboration and Influence Partner with Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications, and Admissions to align financial aid strategy with recruitment and yield efforts Collaborate with Advancement to ensure effective stewardship and compliance of endowed scholarship funds Support Athletics in maintaining NCAA Division I compliance while advancing recruitment and retention goals Contribute to a campus-wide culture of enrollment by aligning financial aid strategy with academic and programmatic priorities The Opportunity This is a foundational leadership role at a pivotal time for Bradley University. The AVPFA will play a central role in advancing a modern, data-informed financial aid strategy that supports sustainable enrollment growth, enhances access and affordability, and strengthens the University's long-term financial position. Ideal Candidate Profile Deep expertise in financial aid leveraging, modeling, and strategy across multiple student populations Strong analytical and financial acumen with the ability to translate data into actionable strategy Demonstrated success leading through complexity, change, and system transformation Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and influence decision-making at the senior leadership level Commitment to student-centered service and access to higher education Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred Minimum 710 years of progressive financial aid leadership experience in higher education Demonstrated expertise in federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance Experience managing audits and regulatory reviews Proven experience with financial aid leveraging and enrollment-driven strategy Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting complex enrollment and financial data Supervisory experience leading professional staff Preferred Qualifications Experience partnering directly with senior leadership and boards Familiarity with predictive modeling and enrollment forecasting at a private institution Experience working at a tuition-driven private institution Knowledge of CRM Slate, Blackbaud Award Management, ERP Workday, and financial aid technology PowerFAIDS platforms Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and complete contact information for a minimum of three professional references with telephone numbers. Please submit all materials at the time of initial application. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received by June 5, 2026. The ideal start date for this position is July 13, 2026. While the review of applications will begin immediately, applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Visa sponsorship is not eligible for this position. Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program. Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students' opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology. Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.