Director of Financial Assistance

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Harris-Stowe State University seeks a highly organized, student-centered, and compliance-driven Director of Financial Assistance to lead the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This role requires a strategic leader who can develop efficient processes, ensure regulatory compliance, strengthen customer service, and collaborate across campus to support enrollment and student success. The Director provides oversight of financial aid operations, staff leadership, and fiscal stewardship while maintaining a strong commitment to equitable access for a diverse student population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all functions of the Office of Financial Assistance.
• Plan, establish, and evaluate departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate financial aid staff; foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Administer federal, state, and institutional aid programs in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental and financial aid budgets.
• Oversee accurate awarding, packaging, and disbursement of financial aid.
• Coordinate with Student Accounts to ensure compliance with cash management regulations and timely disbursement of funds.
• Ensure all financial aid, verification, and documentation requirements are properly received, reviewed, and processed.
• Prepare and/or oversee submission of all required federal, state, and institutional reports, including audit documentation.
• Monitor and enforce Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards and related appeals processes.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Academic Affairs, and other campus partners to support enrollment management and student retention.
• Represent the Office of Financial Assistance in on-campus and off-campus meetings, demonstrating expertise in financial aid regulations and best practices.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and student experience.
• Promote and maintain a “student-first” service philosophy across all financial aid operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet institutional goals and support the university’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration within higher education, including at least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and programs.
• Experience with financial aid packaging, Return of Title IV (R2T4), verification, fund reconciliation, reporting, and compliance.
• Experience using financial aid management systems and student information systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage complex processes and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use reporting to inform decision-making.
• Proficiency in standard office software (Word, Excel, databases, and related systems).
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and student success.

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes – Directly supervises financial aid staff.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform light work, including occasional lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle if required for university business.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting.
• Minimal exposure to physical risk.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.