Executive Director, Financial Aid

Executive Director, Financial Aid

The Executive Director of Financial Aid serves as the senior leader, visionary strategist, and hands‑on operational leader for the Medforth Global Education (MGE) university’s financial aid programs, responsible for administering more than $500 million annually in federal, state, and institutional funding. This role is pivotal in advancing the University’s mission of access, equity, and student success by ensuring that financial resources are allocated in ways that maximize affordability, strengthen enrollment outcomes, and support retention and graduation.

The Executive Director is both a forward‑looking leader and an active practitioner. They will shape long‑term financial aid strategy in alignment with enrollment objectives, ensure compliance with complex federal and state regulations, and lead a team of professionals dedicated to service excellence. This individual is also directly engaged with students and families, counseling them on financial aid, leading workshops, and delivering presentations—while ensuring the full coordination of all financial aid services across campuses.

The Executive Director will guide a talented team of financial aid professionals dedicated to service, compliance, and innovation. Working in close partnership with Admissions, Student Services, and Academic leadership, the Executive Director will develop policies and strategies that help prospective and current students make informed decisions about financing their education.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in federal and state financial aid programs, a strong track record of team leadership, and the ability to anticipate and adapt to a rapidly evolving higher‑education landscape.

This position reports to the Chief Enrollment Services and Student‑Operations Officer.

• Develop, implement, and assess a comprehensive financial aid strategy that supports institutional enrollment and retention goals.
• Partner with Enrollment and Financial Aid Operations leaders to design aid packages and policies that are competitive, compliant, and student‑centered.
• Leverage data analytics and predictive modeling to inform financial aid strategies and measure the impact of aid on recruitment, yield, and student success.
• Serve as a senior advisor to University leadership on financial aid trends, emerging regulations, and best practices in student financing.

• Direct daily operations of the Office of Financial Aid, ensuring efficient and compliant awarding and disbursement of funds.
• Oversee the work of 2 Associate Directors and a team of 15+ staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the development of policies and procedures that maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations (including Title IV programs).
• Ensure robust systems of internal controls and audit readiness for all financial aid processes, disclosures, and reports.
• Manage the certification of loans and loan eligibility, oversee returns and adjustments, and maintain accuracy across aid processing.
• Evaluate processes regularly to streamline workflows, integrate new technologies, and improve the student and staff experience.

• Ensure strict adherence to Title IV, loan regulations, maintaining institutional eligibility and good standing with federal agencies.
• In conjunction with the Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid Compliance, Operations and Training, oversee financial aid reporting, audits (including single audits), and compliance reviews, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and transparency.
• Interpret and communicate changes in federal and state legislation, proactively adjusting institutional policies and operations as needed.

• Lead initiatives to improve financial literacy (including debt management), advising, and outreach for students and families, including participation in orientation, admissions events, counseling sessions, and workshops.
• Actively engage with students and families by providing counseling, presentations, and…