Executive Director- Student Financial Services

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.