Director, Student Financial Services

La Sierra University seeks a Director of Student Financial Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's Student Financial Services operations, including Financial Aid and Student Accounts. The Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial assistance programs and student account administration while supporting institutional enrollment, retention, and financial sustainability goals.

The Director oversees financial aid administration, student accounts operations, Title IV compliance, audit readiness, reporting, customer service, systems management, and staff development. Working collaboratively with Enrollment, Admissions, Finance, Academic Affairs, Student Life, and other campus stakeholders, the Director develops policies, procedures, and financial aid strategies that promote student success, institutional effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all Student Financial Services operations, including Financial Aid and Student Accounts.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Admissions, Finance, Academic Affairs, Student Life, and other departments to support institutional enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.
• Evaluate financial aid packaging methodologies and scholarship programs to support institutional priorities and student access.
• Analyze enrollment, financial aid, student debt, and retention trends and recommend policy or process improvements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional customer service.
• Serve on University committees and task forces as assigned and chair committees as appropriate.

• Serve as the University's primary authority on Title IV regulations, state financial aid programs, and financial aid compliance matters.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, accreditor, and institutional regulations governing student financial assistance programs.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement operational changes necessary to maintain compliance.
• Review federal guidance, Dear Colleague Letters, electronic announcements, regulations, manuals, and other publications issued by regulatory agencies.
• Provide guidance and training to campus departments regarding financial aid and Title IV requirements.
• Oversee the processing of financial aid applications, verification, professional judgment reviews, loan certifications, and awarding activities.
• Establish and annually update Cost of Attendance budgets.
• Oversee satisfactory academic progress (SAP) administration and appeals.
• Oversee professional judgment and special circumstance reviews.
• Oversee entrance and exit counseling requirements for student loan borrowers.
• Oversee federal refund calculations and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) compliance.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to federal, state, and other external agencies.
• Maintain and update the University's Program Participation Agreement (PPA) and other required Department of Education certifications.
• Coordinate and conduct financial aid workshops and outreach programs for students and families.
• Develop and maintain financial aid applications, forms, publications, and informational materials.
• Review and update financial aid content on the University's website and consumer information disclosures.
• Monitor storage, retention, and destruction of financial aid records in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Oversee student accounts operations, including billing, payment processing, collections, refunds, registration clearance, and accounts receivable management.
• Monitor current student receivables and collection activities to support institutional cash flow and minimize delinquent accounts.
• Oversee tuition installment payment plans and related processes.
• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate student account reconciliations and reporting.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that promote effective account management and customer service.

• Prepare and manage the annual Student Financial Services operating budget.
• Develop projections and monitor institutional financial aid expenditures and scholarship budgets.
• Analyze institutional aid utilization and provide recommendations regarding financial aid funding allocations.
• Prepare, review, and submit required federal, state, and institutional reports.
• Serve as the primary administrator responsible for preparation and submission of the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP).
• Coordinate recertification activities and other Department of Education reporting requirements.
• Complete required…