Assistant Vice President, Financial Aid

The University of Southern California (USC) seeks an experienced leader to serve as Assistant Vice President, Financial Aid . This role provides oversight, direction, and coordination of all financial aid activities in support of the university’s enrollment management strategy and commitment to student access and success.

Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management, the Assistant Vice President is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive financial aid strategy, including advanced modeling to support recruitment, retention, and graduation goals. This position works closely with Admissions and campus partners to align financial aid practices with institutional priorities while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. The successful candidate will bring a data-informed approach to decision-making, a strong operational mindset, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, student-centered services.

This is a hybrid position, reporting onsite at the University Park Campus.

For priority consideration, please submit materials by the priority deadline of May 31, 2026.

Key responsibilities will include the following:

Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Office of Financial Aid, ensuring effective day-to-day operations, including awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation processes.

• Establish and maintain policies, workflows, and service standards that support accurate, efficient, and compliant administration of financial aid programs.

• Ensure the effective use of systems and technology to support operational excellence and service delivery.

Strategy & Enrollment Alignment

• Develop and implement a sophisticated financial aid strategy aligned with USC’s enrollment management plan.

• Lead financial aid modeling efforts and partner with Admissions to support recruitment and conversion strategies.

• Translate institutional priorities into operational financial aid practices that support access, retention, and student success.

• Design and apply assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid strategies and initiatives.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with Title IV, state aid programs, and institutional policies.

• Oversee audit preparation and responses, maintaining strong internal controls and quality assurance practices.

• Monitor regulatory developments and advise leadership on operational and policy implications.

Data, Analytics & Financial Stewardship

• Use data and analytics to inform operational decisions, workload planning, and resource allocation.

• Provide reporting and insights to Enrollment Management leadership to support recruitment and retention goals.

• Identify trends and recommend strategic adjustments to financial aid practices.

• Oversee the operating budget and ensure responsible stewardship of federal, state, and institutional aid funds.

• Prepare financial forecasts and support divisional planning through accurate reporting.

Collaboration & Student Experience

• Partner with Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services, the Registrar, and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.

• Support cross-functional initiatives and collaborate with Information Technology on system enhancements.

• Ensure delivery of high-quality, student-centered counseling and support services that are accessible and responsive to diverse student needs.

• Work with Marketing and Communications to provide clear and timely financial aid information to students and families.

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Supervise managers and professional staff, supporting hiring, training, coaching, and professional development.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture aligned with the USC Code of Ethics.

• Promote continuous improvement, accountability, and service excellence across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, organizational development, or related field

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration

• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations

• Experience managing financial aid operations, awarding processes, and compliance programs

• Demonstrated financial stewardship and budget oversight experience

• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into operational practices

• Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences

• Experience using data to inform decisions and improve outcomes

• Proven leadership experience supervising staff and developing high-performing teams

• Commitment to equitable access and student success

• Familiarity with financial aid systems (e.g., Oracle, Salesforce, PowerFAIDS)

• Experience with process improvement, automation, or change management

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, organizational development, or related field

• Ten (10) years of experience in financial aid, student financial services, or enrollment operations

• Understanding of cultural, socioeconomic, and equity-related factors impacting financial aid and student success

Required Documents and Additional Information

Both a resume and cover letter are preferred (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $224,701- $300,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.

#LI-Hybrid

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance or Organizational Development or in related field(s) Preferred Education: Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Higher Education, Organizational Development, or in related field(s) Required Work Experience: 7 years in progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration Preferred Work Experience: 10 years in in financial aid, student financial services, or enrollment operations