Director of Financial Aid

KNOXVILLE, TN •

FA Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionDirector of Financial AidBenefits?Front Loaded PTO Tuition Assistance Medical, Dental, Vision? 401(k) – with Employer Contribution South College -We are one of the nation’s fastest growing institutions of higher learning … come grow your career with us.?In order to fully meet our Mission to our students, we require a diverse combination of perspectives, backgrounds, life experiences, and ideas from our faculty and staff and will provide them with an equitable and inclusive work environment -where respect and open interchange of ideas are at the heart of that culture. 22,000 Students11 Campuses?Competency Based EducationOnlineEssential Duties and Responsibilities:The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all aspects of the institution’s financial aid programs. This position is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, managing operational effectiveness, and supporting institutional goals related to enrollment, retention, and student success. The Director oversees aid awarding, reconciliation, reporting, and audit preparedness, while also guiding the financial aid team in delivering high-quality, student-centered service. This role serves as a key liaison between departments and external agencies and plays a critical role in policy development, regulatory interpretation, and institutional planning related to financial aid operations.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic direction and operational oversight for all functions of the financial aid office, ensuring alignment with institutional mission, enrollment goals, and compliance obligations.Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies and procedures governing federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards, including Title IV requirements, through policy enforcement and staff training.Supervise and mentor Associate Directors, Assistant Directors, and other financial aid team members, fostering a high-performing, student-focused culture.Oversee reconciliation of all aid programs and the timely submission of required federal and state reporting, including preparation for internal and external audits.Monitor regulatory and legislative updates; implement necessary procedural changes and communicate their impact to stakeholders.Collaborate with executive leadership, and other campus leadership to coordinate financial aid packaging, student account activities, and retention initiatives.Represent the institution at federal, state, and professional association events and serve as a liaison to auditors, regulatory agencies, and partner institutions.Perform complex cognitive and data-driven tasks requiring independent judgment, regulatory interpretation, and decision-making under time-sensitive conditions.Communicate effectively with internal and external audiences, including in high-pressure or high-stakes situations.Proactively respond to institutional priorities and operational challenges, demonstrating agility in a fast-paced and evolving higher education environment.RequirementsEducation:Bachelor’s degree requiredMaster’s degree in Higher Education, Public Administration, Business, or related field preferred.Experience:Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, including supervisory and operational leadership roles.Demonstrated expertise in federal and state financial aid regulations, compliance, and Title IV administration.Experience with strategic planning, process improvement, and regulatory audits.Skills:Strong leadership, team-building, and performance management skills.Advanced communication, organizational, and analytical capabilities.Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations in a dynamic environment.Proficiency with financial aid platforms (e.g., COD, NSLDS), student information systems, and reporting tools.Notice of AI Use in Job Application ReviewAs part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.