Director of Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Director is responsible for managing daily functions of the Financial Aid Office and administering financial aid programs in accordance with institutional policies, Federal Student Aid, state, and VA regulations. This role reports via a dotted line to the Vice President of Administration and must adhere to the institution’s mission, values, and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Manages and coordinates the delivery of financial aid services for the campus; recommends policies and procedures and coordinates logistics and workflow to ensure effective service delivery.
• Supervises the financial aid office staff.
• Effectively manages and processes all student funding approval and disbursements; coordinates T4 funding with a 3rd‑party servicer and non‑T4 funding with the Business Office Manager.
• Oversees daily processing and scheduling of funding for all students.
• Leads the Financial Aid team, providing technical and customer‑focused training to ensure compliant processing for prospective and enrolled students.
• Ensures processing of all financial aid programs complies with federal regulations, accreditation standards, state requirements, and Veteran Education Benefits.
• Prepares and assists with all FSA, financial, and regulatory audits.
• Maintains efficient, communicative new‑applicant processing and keeps applicants engaged throughout the process.
• Works closely with the Director of Admission and their team.
• Provides regular reports on daily operations, processing status, awarding, and appointments.
• Maintains only approved forms, ensures policies are current, and recommends changes as needed.
• Ensures timely, accurate, and equitable processing, awarding, and distribution of funds to eligible students.
• Conducts regular file reviews and audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with procedures, allocations, and regulations.
• Ensures consistent adherence to FERPA policy and strives for low audit findings.
• Meets with staff in regular one‑to‑one sessions, provides feedback, and supports professional development.
• Conducts annual performance reviews in conjunction with the Campus President, as needed.
• Oversees data integrity in the financial aid management database, updating and verifying student information.
• Collaborates with the Campus Ivy team to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant financial aid awarding and disbursement.
• Maintains up‑to‑date knowledge of student financial aid regulations, reporting requirements, and industry changes; updates the team accordingly.
• Ensures staff focus on high customer satisfaction and participates in all assigned training, meetings, and events.
• Counsels students and parents on aid availability, application procedures, campus policies, federal and state regulations, needs analysis, eligibility, and required documentation.
• Provides assistance to external customers such as Veterans Education and Florida agencies.
• Serves as an authoritative resource for the campus and represents the financial aid office in leadership and committee meetings.
• Works closely with academic, business office, registrar, and student services teams to ensure customer‑focused, efficient processing for prospective, enrolling, and current students.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Excellent customer service, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Team player with a strong work ethic; able to coordinate multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead, collaborate, and manage a team.
• Capable of working independently and within a team environment.
• Proficient with basic office equipment, computers, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong time‑management skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Skilled at multitasking, prioritizing, resourcefulness, and problem solving.
• Knowledge of Federal Student Aid programs and guidelines; knowledge of Veteran Benefit programs preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the public.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive, confidential issues.
• Not in default on any student loans and able to obtain a Federal Student Aid token.
• Flexibility to work a schedule that may include holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• Willingness to travel to and assist other campus locations as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• College degree in an appropriate field preferred.
• Four to five years of progressively responsible financial aid experience, including use of a Financial Aid Management system for electronic processing.
• In‑depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and related laws, with the ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Student‑focused individual with a passion for education.
• Willingness to work hours in excess of a typical work week when necessary.
• Working knowledge of Campus Nexus and/or Campus Ivy Core systems preferred.