Executive Director of Student Financial Aid

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Optimization, the Executive Director provides transformational leadership and strategic oversight to all areas of the Office of Student Financial Aid, including data accuracy and integrity, operational efficiency, compliance with federal and state regulations, and the effective use of student financial aid systems such as Ellucian Banner. This position is responsible for comprehensive planning and execution of key initiatives, major projects, and leading the team that manages day-to-day administration of federal, state, and institutional aid. This role also facilitates coordination and communication across university departments to create a positive educational experience for students while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and institutional policies.

The successful Executive Director of Financial Aid candidate will:

• Provide leadership for the financial aid and scholarship operations, exercising significant independent authority to make decisions that support enrollment and retention.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Optimization, other leaders in Strategic Enrollment, and campus partners, in order to ensure alignment with institutional strategies, enhance operational effectiveness, and cultivate staff leadership to advance the university's goals.
• Oversee all areas of the Office of Student Financial Aid, including data accuracy and integrity, operational efficiency, compliance with federal and state regulations, and the effective use of student financial aid system Ellucian Banner.
• Facilitate coordination and communication across university departments to create a positive educational experience for students while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and institutional policies.
• Promote a departmental culture that embraces individual and organizational learning and works with key student financial services teams in departmental planning, development, and training to improve individual, group, and organizational performance to ensure successful results.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates for the Executive Director of Financial Aid must hold a master’s degree and have at least five years of financial aid experience and at least three years of experience supervising professional staff.

In addition, candidates must be able to demonstrate these professional competencies:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them to ensure compliance and support student success.
• Experience with non-standard academic calendars in the context of administering federal, state, and other aid programs.
• Skill in leading and developing staff through coaching, mentorship, and fostering an inclusive, empowered team environment, in order to advance the goals of the University.
• Skill in strategic planning and operational management to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration.
• Strengths in creating a culture of curiosity and inquisitiveness.
• Ability to think innovatively and implement creative solutions to operational and service challenges.
• Strong skills in both written and oral communications in a variety of professional settings.
• Notable experience in using advanced and complex financial aid administration systems, including the ability to prepare systems for annual cycle launches, to ensure that systems are effectively and accurately administering aid programs, and using technology to automate processes and self-service. Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and familiarity with other office productivity software.

Strong candidates will also exhibit these preferred qualifications:

• At least seven years of financial aid experience with five or more years as a supervisor of professional staff, at the level of senior associate director, director, or above.
• Knowledge of the direction of financial aid administration at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Advanced working knowledge of Ellucian Banner Financial Aid.
• Completion of several NASFAA Professional Credential examinations, FAAC Certification, or equivalent professional education.
• Strategic and applied understanding of the role of institutional scholarships and grants in optimizing new undergraduate student enrollment in the incoming first-year and transfer cohorts.
• Experience supporting the educational financing needs of, and financial aid programs for, online, part-time, and adult learners.
• A visible commitment to, and record of, supporting students of all backgrounds, capabilities, and circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate will possess a master’s degree and seven years of relevant experience including time spent in a leadership role in a financial aid office. Additionally, knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them to ensure compliance are required.