Director of Financial Aid

1. Regulatory Compliance & Policy Oversight
o Interpret, apply, and update institutional policies to ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations and statutes.
o Serve as the institutional liaison with federal, state, and external auditing agencies; prepare for program reviews and audits.
o Monitor and manage Return of Title IV calculations, satisfactory academic progress (SAP) appeals, professional judgment requests, over-awards, and fund reconciliation.
2. Program Administration & Fund Management
o Oversee packaging, awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and reporting for all financial aid programs (e.g. Pell, Direct Loans, state grants, work-study).
o Develop and monitor financial aid budgets, project expenditures, review fund balances, and make strategic decisions to optimize utilization and avoid over commitments.
o Lead any new implementation and maintenance of the Banner financial aid management system, integrations, and data integrity processes.
3. Leadership & Staff Management
o Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff in the Financial Aid Offices college wide.
o Establish work priorities, delegate tasks, ensure cross-training, and build departmental capacity for operational excellence.
o Promote continuous professional development and maintain staff awareness of changing regulations and best practices.
4. Strategic Planning & Enrollment Support
o Collaborate with enrollment management, admissions, registrar, student services, and academic departments to integrate financial aid strategies into recruitment, retention, and completion efforts.
o Use data and trend analysis to recommend enhancements for policies, processes, and systems that improve student access, operational efficiency, and institutional goals.
o Lead initiatives around default prevention, financial literacy, scholarship programs, and award strategies to support student success.
5. Student & Public Engagement
o Oversee financial aid advising, workshops, and outreach to students, parents, high schools, community partners, and internal stakeholders.
o Ensure timely, transparent, and clear communication regarding aid eligibility, award letters, rights and responsibilities, appeals, and regulatory changes.
6. Reporting & Data Analysis
o Prepare and submit required reports (e.g. FISAP, IPEDS, Gainful Employment, institutional schedules, state agency reports) in a timely and accurate manner in coordination with other related college staff.
o Analyze departmental metrics (e.g. processing times, appeals trends, default rates) and present findings to executive leadership.
o Conduct or commission audits of internal procedures to assure accuracy, consistency, and quality control.
7. Other Duties
o Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and continuous learning in financial aid.
o Serve on college committees, contribute to institutional planning, and support special projects as assigned by senior leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (advanced degree preferred)
• Substantial experience (typically 7+ years) in higher education financial aid administration, including progressively responsible leadership roles
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, especially Title IV
• Advanced Experience with Banner financial aid systems, Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and budget management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer-service skills
• Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff
• Experience with default management, financial literacy programs

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