Director of Student Financial Services

Req: C2627-005 | Division: Enrollment Services | Close Date: Friday, October 2, 2026 at 3:00 P.M.

About the Role

Under the direction of the Dean of Strategic Enrollment Services, exercise direct leadership of assigned areas, providing functional supervision over assigned positions. Implement the Division's vision and develop, organize, and implement goals and objectives. Plan, develop, organize, schedule, direct, improve, and evaluate assigned programs, services, and activities. Provide oversight, development, and coordination of all elements of assigned areas, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations related to eligibility determination, awarding, and disbursement of financial aid.

Foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement. Lead by example, actively participate in and support College-wide shared governance, and promote professional excellence among staff. Encourage a customer service-oriented, team-based, and innovative organizational culture.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the activities of the Financial Aid Office, including State and Federal programs, scholarships, and other student financial assistance programs.
• Ensure Financial Aid operations are integrated, compliant, and streamlined to provide excellent customer service, appropriate application systems, and necessary staffing.
• Collaborate with the U.S. Department of Education, California Student Aid Commission, Foundation for California Community Colleges, and the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office on student financial aid issues.
• Interpret, apply, and enforce federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations related to eligibility determination, awarding, and disbursement of financial aid.
• Manage the awarding and disbursement of multiple financial aid funds, including federal, state, and local allocations, ensuring accurate reconciliation and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Foundation & Scholarship Office and other College entities to determine eligibility, award, and disburse financial aid.
• Work with the Administrative Services Area to ensure accurate and timely financial aid reports, compatibility with external software, debit card distribution, drawdowns, Return of Title IV funds execution, and disbursement scheduling.
• Collaborate with the Office of Public Relations & Marketing to develop, maintain, and update informational and outreach materials across various communication mediums.
• Advocate for students and the College on financial aid issues with state and local leaders.
• Advise prospective and current students on financial aid, review professional judgment cases, and render decisions on financial aid matters.
• Address and respond to student complaints and concerns regarding financial aid eligibility, awarding, and disbursement.
• Plan, organize, manage, and direct the distribution, collection, review, and evaluation of student financial aid forms and applications.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the College and third-party vendors for financial aid disbursement.
• Participate in financial aid outreach activities and College-sponsored functions to educate students about financial aid opportunities.
• Participate in College-assigned committees, workgroups, and campus-wide initiatives addressing enrollment management and student success.
• Prepare for and participate in financial aid audits and investigations conducted by federal, state, and institutional entities.
• Respond to information requests and advise students, faculty, staff, and other departments on College financial aid policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership in evaluating and improving Financial Aid Office processes to ensure prompt, efficient, and seamless student services.
• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and technology affecting College or departmental operations; review and update policies and procedures as required.
• Oversee and participate in reviewing, processing, and training staff on State and Federal rules and regulations.
• Participate in Strategic Enrollment Services management and leadership teams; collaborate on area plans and priorities.

Organization Management

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations, policies, and eligibility criteria for assigned programs; ensure compliance with College policies and procedures.
• Strengthen processes, programs, and services through effective use of assessment, program review, planning, and resource allocation.
• Implement priorities in conjunction with the College's comprehensive planning and budgeting guidelines.
• Implement an organizational structure that maximizes resource utilization and ensures efficient service delivery.
• Train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; recommend transfers, reassignments, terminations, or disciplinary actions as needed.
• Delegate and review assignments; evaluate work products and results; establish and monitor timelines and priorities.
• Monitor employee performance regularly and provide coaching for performance improvement or development.
• Anticipate, prevent, and resolve conflicts within areas of supervision.
• Ensure efficient and secure use of assigned facilities; comply with health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with Information Technology personnel to enhance and improve relevant computer systems.
• Learn and apply emerging technologies to perform duties efficiently and promote student success.
• Modernize infrastructure and technological resources to facilitate a positive learning and working environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, education, or a closely related field.
• Experience: At least five (5) years of increasingly responsible financial aid experience, including at least three years as a financial aid program manager, coordinator, or lead.

Qualifications

• Knowledge/Areas of Expertise:
  • Proficient knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loan programs.
  • Extensive knowledge of effective and legally compliant financial aid accounting principles and practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of electronic data processing and records management systems, including computer hardware and software for eligibility determination, awarding, and disbursement of financial aid.
• Abilities/Skills:
  • Work independently on complex financial aid issues and processes to ensure effective outcomes.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Work Environment: Standard office setting with duties performed primarily at a desk or computer workstation. Incumbents are subject to frequent interruptions, noise, and demanding timelines. Work may involve non-standard hours, evenings, and weekends.
• Physical Demands:
  • Regularly sit or stand for long periods, travel short distances on campus, and attend off-site meetings.
  • Use hands and fingers to operate office equipment, speak clearly, and hear voices over the telephone and in person.
  • See to read fine print and operate a computer.
  • Lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Pay

Starting salary is $154,491 annually. Generally, new employees start at the first step on the salary schedule. Advanced salary placement may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Salary increases are granted on the first day of the month following each year of service, up to Step F ($179,115 annually). Employees contribute 8% of their earnings toward the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

Schedule

This is a full-time, twelve-month classified administrator position. The standard workweek is 40 hours over not more than five consecutive workdays. The work schedule may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays based on business needs. Administrators may work all or a portion of the workdays between December 25 and January 1, or use accrued vacation days to cover this period.

Conditions of Employment

Offer and acceptance of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credential(s), and transcripts. Candidates must agree to be fingerprinted, submit a Certificate of Completion of the Tuberculosis Risk Assessment and/or Examination, provide proof of eligibility for employment in the United States, and present a valid Social Security card upon hire.

Interview Expenses

Individuals identified for final interviews are eligible for reimbursement of economy airfare, meals, lodging, and transportation, up to a maximum of $600. Finalists must complete and submit a W-9 Form and the "Interview Expense Reimbursement Form" with appropriate documentation to receive reimbursement.