The Executive Director of Student Financial Services serves as a senior leader within the Enrollment Management and Marketing division, providing strategic oversight and operational leadership across Financial Aid, Bursar Services, and Military and Veterans Benefits. This role is central to advancing institutional goals through cross-functional collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and student-centered service.

The Executive Director ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations related to student aid, scholarships, loans, and military benefits. They lead key audits - including the annual FSA Single Audit - and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and the U.S. Department of Education. A strong commitment to financial aid integrity and fraud prevention is essential, with responsibility for implementing safeguards, monitoring risk indicators, and ensuring ethical stewardship of all aid programs. This position requires deep expertise in Federal Student Aid (FSA) program administration, including student counseling, need analysis, satisfactory academic progress, aid packaging, loan origination and disbursement, and fiscal reconciliation. The Executive Director drives process improvement, regulatory compliance, and initiatives that support student success, retention, and satisfaction. Collaboration is essential. The Executive Director works closely with colleagues across Enrollment Management - including Admissions, Registrar, Advising, and Marketing - as well as academic departments and student support services to improve registration outcomes, support enrollment growth, and elevate student experience. This role also champions a culture of belonging, ensuring that financial services are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the student population.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Provide visionary leadership aligned with the University’s mission and strategic priorities

Develop long-term plans to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and student satisfaction

Advise senior leadership on financial aid, student accounts, and Veteran benefits

Build strong partnerships across campus to integrate financial services with broader student success strategies

Promote a culture of belonging, ensuring all students feel respected, supported, and valued

Operational Oversight

Lead integrated operations across financial aid, student accounts, and military/Veteran billing

Monitor performance metrics to drive continuous improvement

Maintain a regulatory calendar to ensure timely execution of key processes

Compliance, Integrity & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with Title IV, FERPA, and other applicable regulations

Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and regulatory agencies

Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to proactively address issues

Uphold financial aid integrity by implementing fraud prevention protocols and ethical oversight practices

Financial Stewardship

Oversee budget planning and resource allocation

Coordinate reconciliation of aid disbursements and student accounts

Support enrollment and retention through strategic aid packaging and tuition management

Technology & Systems Integration

Lead implementation and optimization of financial systems

Collaborate with ITS and other departments to ensure data integrity and system interoperability

Team Development & Culture

Supervise and mentor department leaders and staff

Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence

Deliver professional development and foster an inclusive, respectful environment

Encourage team practices that reflect empathy, equity, and cultural awareness

Student-Centered Service

Champion a student-first approach to financial services

Resolve complex student issues with empathy and sound judgment

Collaborate with campus stakeholders to align financial services with broader student support

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience, including leadership roles within financial aid, student financial services, or enrollment management at an accredited institution

Experience with PowerFAIDS and a commitment to supporting diverse adult learners in distance education

Strong collaborative leadership and management skills

Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Student Information Systems, and Microsoft Office Suite

The hiring salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $122,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.