Director of Financial Aid

Position Summary
The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and oversight for the administration of a comprehensive financial aid program, including federal, state, and institutional funding. The Director ensures full compliance with all regulatory requirements while advancing the College's mission to improve student access, retention, and completion. This role partners across the institution to deliver student-centered services, streamline processes, and leverage financial aid as a key driver of enrollment and student success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy, and Student Success

Provides leadership in aligning financial aid operations with institutional priorities, including enrollment growth, retention, and completion initiatives such as guided pathways and student success programs.

Serves as a key partner in cross-functional enrollment management efforts, contributing to recruitment, onboarding, and persistence strategies.

Promotes a student-centered approach to financial aid delivery, ensuring equitable access and clear communication of aid options and responsibilities.

Compliance and Program Administration

Maintains the institution's Title IV Program Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education and ensures ongoing compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Oversees the administration of all financial aid programs, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study.

Submits new academic programs for financial aid eligibility and ensures proper implementation in accordance with federal guidelines.

Prepares for and leads responses to audits, program reviews, and compliance reporting requirements.

Operations and Systems Management

Directs the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance, efficiency, and service excellence.

Oversees financial aid systems, including need analysis, fund management, document tracking, and reporting; ensures accurate configuration and optimization of technology solutions.

Leads process improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery, reduce barriers for students, and increase operational efficiency.

Financial Oversight

Manages the financial aid office budget and monitors all aid fund accounts to ensure appropriate allocation and utilization of resources.

Monitors fund balances and student awards to maximize available funding while preventing over-awards and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Collaborates with institutional partners to align financial aid awarding strategies with enrollment and retention goals.

Student Advisement and Support

Provides guidance and oversight for financial aid advisement to students and families, ensuring accurate, timely, and accessible information.

Monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluation processes and appeals, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.

Ensures compliance with Return of Title IV (R2T4) regulations, including monitoring enrollment changes, calculating aid adjustments, and coordinating notifications.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Works closely with Admissions, Advising, Student Accounts, and other departments to support a seamless student experience.

Collaborates with the College Foundation Office to administer scholarship programs and align institutional aid strategies.

Engages with high school counselors, community organizations, and external partners to support college access and financial literacy efforts.

Staff Supervision and Development

Supervises, trains, and evaluates financial aid staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Establishes clear roles, priorities, and performance expectations; ensures cross-training and professional development opportunities.

Professional Engagement

Maintains current knowledge of financial aid regulations and best practices through participation in professional organizations, training, and conferences.

Communicates regulatory changes and policy updates to campus stakeholders as appropriate.

Other Duties

Performs other related duties as assigned in support of institutional goals.

Occasional weeknights and weekend events

Serves on college wide committees as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, accounting, liberal arts, or related field

Five or more years of financial aid experience, or combination of education and experience commensurate with the requirements of this position

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in accounting, business, student affairs or public administration.

Three or more years of work experience in providing supervision or leadership to a financial aid department or related department in a higher education setting.

Demonstrated experience with student information systems and enrollment technology platforms, with preference for experience using Ellucian Banner and CRM platforms such as SLATE for financial aid processing, student communication, workflow automation, and reporting.

Salary and Benefits Information

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $75,000–$80,000 annually. Placement within this range will be based on the selected candidate's relevant experience, education, technical expertise, demonstrated leadership in financial aid administration, and consideration of internal equity. The College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, short-and long-term disability, generous vacation, and sick leave, paid holidays, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tax-deferred compensation, as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers. PSLF waivers offered.