Director, Financial Aid Technology

Job Summary

Provides strategic leadership, vision, and operational oversight for all technology systems supporting the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. This role ensures the effective implementation, integration, compliance, and optimization of enterprise systems that administer federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The Director partners closely with Financial Aid leadership, Information Technology, Institutional Research, and external vendors to deliver secure, compliant, student-centered technology solutions that enhance efficiency and data-informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive financial aid technology strategy aligned with institutional enrollment and student success goals.
2. Serve as the primary liaison between Financial Aid, IT, and senior leadership on system planning and enhancements.
3. Lead long-range planning for system upgrades, modernization initiatives, and digital transformation efforts.
4. Monitor regulatory and policy changes affecting financial aid systems and ensure proactive system readiness.
5. Oversee administration and optimization of the institution's student information system (Ellucian Banner, Campus Logic) and related financial aid modules.
6. Manage integration of federal and state systems, including FAFSA processing and U.S. Department of Education interfaces.
7. Ensure secure data exchange between internal systems and third-party vendors (e.g., document management, verification, scholarship platforms).
8. Oversee system configuration, testing, deployment, change management, and release management processes.
9. Ensure systems comply with federal and state regulations, including Title IV requirements and audit standards.
10. Collaborate with Information Security to maintain data privacy and security standards.
11. Lead internal and external audit preparation related to financial aid systems and data integrity.
12. Implement controls to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability in aid awarding and disbursement processes.
13. Promote data governance standards and best practices across financial aid technology systems.
14. Supervise a team of financial aid systems analysts and support staff.
15. Lead professional development initiatives to maintain expertise in evolving technologies and regulations.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field

Required Experience
Eight (8) years relevant experience with an extensive working knowledge of and experience accessing data in Banner (Ellucian) and experience with reporting and query tools and coding in SQL (or gathering data from other related database systems). Some supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Proven ability to identify root causes of data quality issues and implement compliant, scalable solutions
Demonstrated success managing large-scale, detail-oriented projects, including system implementations, upgrades, and cross-functional initiatives
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in fast-paced environments while aligning work with business impact
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
Effective collaboration with staff, faculty, administrators, and external partners to support student success
Experience developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, including workflows, specifications, and process documentation
Familiarity with emerging technologies, automation tools, and data analytics in higher education administration

KNOWLEDGE
Working knowledge of and compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Higher Education Act (HEA), including maintaining accurate, secure, and compliant records for institutional and external reporting
Strong technical expertise in SQL, Oracle PL/SQL, and Ellucian Banner ERP (Banner), including system troubleshooting, optimization, and data integrity management
Experience anticipating regulatory and technological changes and proactively adapting systems and processes Knowledge of data governance, cybersecurity principles, and regulatory frameworks to ensure accuracy, security, and reliability of sensitive student financial data

SKILLS
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation within compliance constraints
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time