Director of Financial Aid

Position Summary

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight of all financial aid programs and services. The Director ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial assistance while supporting enrollment, retention, and student success goals. This position administers federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs; manages financial aid operations; supervises financial aid staff; and collaborates with campus stakeholders to provide excellent service to prospective and current students.

The Director serves as the University s primary authority on financial aid regulations and compliance and develops policies, procedures, and initiatives that support the University s mission as a private institution.

Typical work schedule:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Evening and weekend hours may be required during peak processing periods, enrollment events, audits, and special programs.

• Direct and oversee all financial aid operations, including the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial aid policies and procedures that ensure compliance with applicable regulations and best practices.
• Provide leadership, supervision, training, and performance management for financial aid staff.
• Establish service standards and operational goals that promote a student-centered approach to financial aid administration.
• Evaluate and improve office processes, technology utilization, and workflow efficiencies.

• Serve as the University s primary compliance officer for financial aid programs and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all federal Title IV regulations, state aid programs, accreditation standards, and institutional policies.
• Oversee Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, campus-based aid programs, state grants, scholarships, verification, satisfactory academic progress, professional judgment, and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) processes.
• Develop and maintain internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
• Coordinate and manage federal, state, and external audits, program reviews, and compliance reporting activities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and implement required operational updates.

• Collaborate with Enrollment Management leadership to develop financial aid strategies that support recruitment, retention, and enrollment objectives.
• Provide financial aid modeling, analysis, and recommendations regarding institutional aid and scholarship programs.
• Assist with annual aid budget development, scholarship allocation strategies, and financial aid forecasting.
• Analyze student aid data and enrollment trends to support institutional decision-making.

• Oversee the awarding and administration of institutional scholarships, endowed scholarships, and external scholarship programs.
• Partner with Advancement, Business, and Enrollment offices to ensure effective stewardship of scholarship funds.
• Develop policies and procedures for the administration of third-party scholarships and external funding sources.

• Oversee financial aid management systems and ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy.
• Maintain and utilize the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), COD, FAFSA Partner Portal, NSLDS, and other federal systems.
• Prepare and submit required federal, state, and institutional reports.
• Conduct data analysis and provide regular reports to senior leadership regarding financial aid utilization, compliance, and student outcomes.

• Ensure exceptional customer service for students, families, faculty, staff, and external constituents.
• Provide counseling and guidance regarding financial aid eligibility, financing options, and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the University at recruitment events, financial aid workshops, professional conferences, and community outreach activities.
• Develop financial literacy and student…