Director of Financial Aid

Overview Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and staff development for the College’s financial aid programs and services. The Director supervises two staff members and plays a key role in developing policies and strategies that support student recruitment, retention, and institutional enrollment goals. This position ensures compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. As a member of the Enrollment Management leadership team, the Director oversees all financial aid systems and serves as the primary technical lead for financial aid operations. Responsibilities include managing the awarding and processing of financial aid, ensuring the accurate administration of funds, and preparing required and ad‑hoc reports. The Director ensures that all financial aid activities and reporting processes comply with applicable federal and state regulations and institutional policies. Responsibilities Hire, train, and supervise staff in student financial aid functions. Interpret and implement financial aid and enrollment data policies to ensure compliance with state, federal, and institutional regulations. Oversee administration of all federal and state grant programs, veteran benefits, and federal/private education loan programs. Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of all financial aid and accounts receivable processing. Coordinate with the Finance Office on G5 drawdowns, fiscal close, and audits. Maintain departmental budget and update relevant websites. Ensure outstanding customer service for students and families. Complete required external reporting including FISAP, Title IV recertification, and NCAA report. Will conduct and oversee delegation of student financial aid orientation and exit financial aid orientation. Ensure that the students are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Responsible for pre‑approving documentation, professional judgement documentation, and FAFSA related procedures as well as fluent knowledge of R2T4 processing. Participate in campus committees and coordinate student check‑in processes. Develop and implement financial aid awarding strategies in alignment with budgetary constraints and enrollment management and institutional priorities. Partner with Institutional Research and other departments on all audits, external reporting, survey design, and enrollment research. Produce executive‑level reports and conduct analyses to support data‑driven decision‑making. Manage relationships with third‑party vendors supporting enrollment programs such as but not limited to financial leveraging partners and NPC vendor. Provide financial aid enrollment data support for both interdivisional and campus‑wide constituents. In conjunction with the enrollment leadership, engage in long‑term planning and evaluation of enrollment and financial aid strategies. Collaborate with the Student Accounts and Admissions teams. Lead participants in enrollment appeal committees for incoming and returning students. Requirements and Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred. Minimum of 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid, student accounts, enrollment analytics, or related areas in higher education. Thorough knowledge of Title IV regulations and a commitment to supporting a diverse student body through financial aid. Proficiency with student information systems (preference for Ellucian Colleague) and CRM systems preferably Slate, as well as reporting and statistical tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, SSRS). Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Ability to work collaboratively across divisions and manage multiple complex projects. #J-18808-Ljbffr