Director of Financial Aid

Full Time, onsite
The Talent Magnet
New York City Metropolitan Area, United States of America

Salary undisclosed

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Director of Student Financial Services

Higher Education Institution

Position Summary:

A well-established higher education institution is seeking a Director of Student Financial Services to lead its Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Loan Management departments. With over 7 years of experience, the ideal candidate will oversee compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations while providing guidance and support to a diverse student population, ensuring that students receive the financial resources they need for their education.

Primary Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Development: Lead and manage a team of financial aid professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance. Ensure the team delivers outstanding service while staying up to date on regulations governing financial aid.
Financial Strategy: Create and implement effective strategies that align with institutional goals to maximize available financial aid resources. Ensure that all aid is administered in compliance with Title IV federal regulations, state guidelines, and institutional policies.
Student Guidance: Oversee comprehensive counseling services for prospective and current students, offering financial aid advice, eligibility explanations, and responsible borrowing guidance. Develop and lead initiatives to enhance student financial literacy and awareness.
Data Management and Reporting: Utilize data-driven decision-making to provide insights into financial aid trends, projections, and impacts on enrollment and retention. Prepare detailed reports to inform institutional leaders of financial aid effectiveness.
Compliance Oversight: Ensure the accurate disbursement of federal, state, and institutional aid, conducting audits and implementing quality control measures to maintain strict adherence to regulatory standards.
Professional Judgment: Use professional judgment to handle complex financial aid cases, including appeals and exceptions, ensuring students receive the support they need to manage their financial aid packages effectively.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with leadership, faculty, and other departments to align financial services with institutional goals for enrollment, retention, and student success. Serve as a key stakeholder in institutional initiatives aimed at student financial well-being.
Policy Development: Lead the creation and continuous improvement of financial aid policies to streamline operations, enhance student experiences, and remain compliant with evolving federal and state regulations.
External and Internal Representation: Act as a primary representative for the Financial Services office in interactions with external stakeholders, including accreditation bodies and regulatory agencies. Participate in university events, workshops, and conferences to promote financial aid services.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred in Higher Education, Finance, Business, or related fields.
Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in student financial services or financial aid administration, preferably in a higher education setting.
In-depth knowledge of Federal Title IV financial aid regulations, state financial aid programs, and FERPA requirements.
Demonstrated success in leading teams, strategic planning, and process improvement in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal), with a strong focus on providing excellent customer service to students and stakeholders.
Advanced skills in financial aid management systems (e.g., Ellucian, Colleague) and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
Strong analytical abilities with a proven track record of making data-informed decisions that enhance student financial support.
Commitment to fostering access to education and supporting diverse student populations.

Compensation:

Salary range: $85,000 - $110,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits Include: