Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Job Details

Position Summary:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is seeking a Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships within the Enrollment Management and Marketing department. The Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the university’s financial aid and scholarship programs, supporting student access and success through the effective administration of aid.

This role serves as a key partner in institutional strategic and enrollment planning, working collaboratively with campus stakeholders to advance recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives. The Director is responsible for the administration, awarding, and disbursement of a comprehensive financial aid portfolio, including federal, state, institutional, and foundation funding, while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and policies.

The Director leads the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office operations, serving students and supervising professional staff. The position emphasizes a strong commitment to customer service, access, and equity in the delivery of financial aid services.

This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit and paid leave eligible position, with a salary of $98,000 per year.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze and interpret regulations (federal, state, UW System, institutional, and NCAA) relative to financial aid functions; oversee the implementation of new regulatory requirements and ensure ongoing compliance; develop and maintain operating policies and procedures.
• Leverage financial aid packages and policies to achieve the university's recruitment, retention, and access goals.
• Contribute to the development of financial aid communications that focus on demystifying financial aid, improving FAFSA completion rates, and encouraging financial literacy.
• Promote individual, student-centered counseling services and adjudicate professional judgment and financial aid appeal requests.
• Direct strategic planning initiatives and establish unit objectives in alignment with institutional and enrollment goals; advise institutional and unit leadership on financial aid matters.
• Develop, manage, and audit the financial aid budget to ensure appropriate use of resources.
• Serve as a member of Enrollment Management’s (EM) leadership team, which includes representatives from Admission, Recruitment, Financial Aid, EM Communications, and EM Analytics.
• Collaborate with strategic partners such as Academic Affairs, Academic Support Programs, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, campus foundations, the Cashier’s Office, and the Registrar’s Office.
• Provide leadership and supervision to staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and fostering an office culture that values innovation, efficiency, collaboration, accountability, and data-informed decision-making.
• Serve as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholders, representing the interests of the Financial Aid Office.
• Be an active participant in applicable safety rules and regulations, including required training and drills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in financial aid and/or scholarship administration.
• Demonstrated ongoing engagement in professional development related to financial aid, leadership, and other areas relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Experience conducting data analysis to inform financial aid and/or scholarship administration decisions.
• Experience supervising staff and/or managing projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs in a broad spectrum of disciplines including: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; criminal justice; education; business; agriculture; and liberal arts. The Platteville campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest community, which has a rich history rooted in mining —particularly lead mining —dating back to the early 19th century. The region offers excellent school systems, high-quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville serves as a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Application Deadline:
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

How to Apply:

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Cover letter addressing all required qualifications
• A current resume

For questions regarding this position, please contact Elizabeth Osterholz, osterholze@uwplatt.edu, 608-342-1871.