Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Planning and Management/Executive Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships
About this opportunity
Ball State University seeks a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as its next Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, Paula Luff, the AVP/Executive Director will provide leadership for a comprehensive financial aid enterprise, aligning strategy, policy, and resources to advance institutional goals for enrollment, retention, affordability, and student success.
This search follows the retirement of a long-tenured leader and presents an opportunity to build on a strong, student-focused culture defined by dedicated staff, long tenure, and a deep commitment to supporting students. The next leader will be expected to build strong relationships across campus, sustain this culture, and guide the team through a thoughtful period of transition and evolution.
Serving a high-need student population, Ball State relies on financial aid as a central driver of student success. The AVP/Executive Director will play a critical role in strengthening the alignment between financial aid strategy and institutional priorities, including improving retention and graduation rates, and leveraging aid in creative, data-informed ways to support student persistence.
A key member of the Enrollment Planning and Management leadership team, this individual will partner closely with colleagues across campus to advance recruitment and student success goals. The role requires a visible and relationship-oriented leader who can communicate effectively, foster collaboration, and position financial aid as a strategic asset. The AVP will also work closely with the Ball State University Foundation to enhance donor-funded scholarship processes and expand support for student emergency funding needs.
The AVP/Executive Director will lead a team of approximately 20 staff with varied levels of experience and will be expected to prioritize mentorship, professional development, and accountability. The ideal candidate will bring progressively responsible financial aid experience, including expertise in leveraging, compliance, and budget management, along with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. Engagement in professional associations such as NASFAA and a demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement are also valued.
Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
Position Function
Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment and Planning Management, the Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all need-based and merit-based aid programs. This senior leader partners with university stakeholders to develop data-informed fund utilization strategies that advance enrollment goals while ensuring a seamless, student-centered experience. The successful candidate will foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, balancing high-level vision with administrative excellence to support Ball State University's mission.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Responsible for the integrity of all financial aid programs. The AVP will create and update policies and procedures to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance, and all federal and state reporting and reconciliation is complete. Provide leadership as it relates to the impact of federal, state, and institutional financial aid budgeting decisions. The AVP will remain current on all regional and national financial rules, regulations, policies, and trends, and on financial aid best practices.
- Establish and execute policies and procedures to support the objectives, goals, and priorities of the EPM Division and the University Strategic Plan. The AVP will collaborate and develop strong working relationships with the EPM Leadership Team and other campus partners to help Ball State reach enrollment and retention goals through financial aid optimization, including but not limited to discount rate and net tuition revenue. The AVP will meet with campus partners regularly and serve on institutional committees to resolve issues and proactively work towards greater cross campus efficiencies to ensure full compliance and greater customer care.
- Serve as an administrator within the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management, as a member of the EPM Leadership Team contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and institutional decision-making.
- Lead and oversee the preparation and submission of all required reporting and audits (FISAP, A-133) and ensure the federal program participation agreement remains current and in effect; work with staff to develop reports to support daily operations and that provide insights and can guide strategy.
- In collaboration with, and at the discretion of, the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, perform divisional responsibilities associated with division, university, and Board of Trustees priorities, including strategic planning initiatives and expected outcomes
- Collaborate with the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, the EPM Leadership Team, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Student Financial Services, and other campus units to ensure the effective delivery of services that support student recruitment, retention, and success.
- With the approval of the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, develop, manage, and maintain the Financial Aid and Scholarships unit budget. The AVP will review income and expense reports, approve expenditures, and prepare reports that support accountability, transparency, and understanding of the value and impact of Financial Aid and Scholarships, including justification for continued or additional funding.
- Propose strategic goals and direction for the Financial Aid and Scholarships unit aligned with the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management and the Ball State University Strategic Plan for approval by the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management. The AVP will communicate approved goals and plans to staff and ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of all unit services.
- Provide leadership and supervision for unit staff by assigning and reviewing work; orienting and training employees; and making recommendations related to personnel matters, including interviewing and selection, compensation, discipline, performance evaluation, and professional development.
- Demonstrate responsible personal and professional conduct that supports the mission, goals, and presidential priorities of Ball State University. The AVP will accept responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; build trust and credibility with colleagues; promote open-mindedness and collaboration; foster a positive work environment; and treat others with respect.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, collaboration and management skills; ability to manage multiple projects/initiatives and deadlines; understanding and capacity to manage confidential information effectively; thorough knowledge and understanding of federal and state aid regulations and requirements; excellent computer skills. Ability to analyze data, think critically, problem-solve creatively, and make data informed decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Eight years or more of experience in the financial aid profession. Direct and in-depth experience in the management of financial aid leveraging; direct and in-depth budget management experience; five years of experience in higher education enrollment management at a mid-size or large public university with increasing responsibilities. Participation in state, regional, and/or national financial aid professional organizations.
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