"Director of Financial Aid"

About Northern Michigan University – www.nmu.edu

Founded in 1899, NMU is a dynamic public university offering 170+ undergraduate and graduate programs to over 7,000 students from all 50 states and 40 countries. Signature strengths include award winning leadership programs, cutting edge technology initiatives, Division II athletics (including Division I Hockey), and a nationally recognized commitment to affordability and safety. Faculty taught classes at every level, a 16:1 student to faculty ratio, and a deep culture of personal support define the NMU experience. Northern Michigan University equips students with distinctive, hands-on learning experiences that unlock extraordinary opportunities. By forging strong ties among learners, leaders, local communities, and the Upper Peninsula’s natural environment, NMU develops creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens dedicated to advancing the well-being of the region, Michigan, and the wider world.

About Marquette & Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Home to roughly 20,000 residents on Lake Superior’s southern shore, Marquette delivers a rare blend of breathtaking wilderness and inviting small-city charm. World-class mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and shoreline adventures are minutes from campus, while a revitalized downtown buzzes with local eateries, arts venues, and entrepreneurial energy. The Upper Peninsula’s reputation for safety, friendliness, and pristine natural surroundings shines through four distinct seasons—each celebrated with community festivals, craft fairs, and outdoor events that keep the calendar lively year-round. Because Northern Michigan University and the city are deeply intertwined, students gain unrivaled access to internships, service-learning projects, and cultural experiences that enrich their education and strengthen the region’s vitality—all at a cost of living well below many Midwest metros.

The Opportunity

Northern Michigan University (NMU) seeks a forward thinking Director of Financial Aid to lead a high performing team in delivering more than $100 million in federal, state, institutional, and private aid to nearly 7,000 students each year. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration, the Director will shape strategy, policy, compliance, and technology to ensure every Wildcat has an affordable path to degree completion. This is a unique moment to join NMU as it enjoys rising enrollment and invests in student centered innovation across campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Financial Aid Office, overseeing policy, compliance, awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation of all aid programs.
• Direct, mentor, and evaluate a staff of 11; foster a service oriented, data informed culture.
• Ensure full compliance with federal Title IV, state, NCAA, and institutional regulations; serve as primary liaison during internal and external audits.
• Partner with Finance & Administration, Admissions, Athletics, and campus stakeholders to align aid strategy with recruitment, retention, and net tuition goals.
• Leverage Ellucian Banner and other technologies to streamline processes, expand self service, and deliver accurate, timely communication to students and families.
• Analyze data and produce dashboards/reports that guide strategic packaging, scholarship utilization, and budget forecasting.
• Represent NMU in campus wide committees, state/national associations, high school outreach, and media as the subject matter expert on financial aid.

Position Challenges & Opportunities

Regulatory Complexity & Compliance
The aid landscape continues to evolve—from FAFSA simplification to shifting state grant rules. The Director will champion proactive compliance, rigorous reconciliation, and staff training to keep NMU audit ready while minimizing administrative burden.

Technology Modernization
NMU leverages Ellucian Banner; upcoming enhancements include automation of packaging algorithms, mobile self service, and data analytics dashboards. The Director will lead these projects, positioning Financial Aid as a campus model for digital service.

Strategic Scholarship Stewardship
With enrollment growth and shifting demographics, optimizing institutional aid is paramount. The Director will collaborate with Finance & Administration, Admissions, and Athletics to refine packaging formulas that balance access, equity, and net tuition revenue.

Student Centered Service Culture
NMU prides itself on personal attention. The Director will cultivate staff development, cross training, and process improvement so every student feels supported—especially first generation, rural, and military learners that NMU serves in high numbers.

Campus & Community Partnership
From athletic scholarship oversight to Upward Bound outreach, the Director will build relationships across campus and the Upper Peninsula, reinforcing NMU’s mission to expand educational opportunity for the region.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, higher education administration, student services, or related field.
• Six (6)+ years of progressive experience in a Financial Aid office (Director/Associate/Assistant Director, Counselor, or Officer level).
• Demonstrated expertise in federal and state financial aid regulations, audit compliance, and policy interpretation.
• Proficiency with financial aid management systems and advanced data/analytical skills.
• Proven record of supervising professional staff, managing budgets, and delivering high quality customer service to diverse populations.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, higher education administration, student services, or related field.
• Strong public speaking and outreach background, including high school visits, media interviews, and financial literacy programming.
• Advanced proficiency with financial aid and student information systems—Ellucian Banner preferred—plus federal and third party platforms such as COD, NSLDS, and imaging/workflow solutions; ability to create queries, dashboards, and data extracts.
• Strong analytical skills and data driven problem solving ability.
• Excellent written, verbal, public speaking, and time management skills; able to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proven customer service orientation and experience counseling students, parents, and community members with empathy—especially in difficult or high stress situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster an inclusive, student centered environment.
• Ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy, accuracy, and grace under pressure.

Compensation & Benefits

NMU offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package, tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents, and assistance with relocation to Marquette.

Application & Nomination Process

Cizek Associates, Inc. is assisting Northern Michigan University with this search. Nominations and confidential inquiries are welcome. The soft application deadline for review of applications is July 14, 2025. While the position is open until filled, materials received after this date are not guaranteed full consideration and will be reviewed at the sole discretion of the search committee.

To be considered, please submit a resume and letter of interest to: nmu.dfa@cizekassociates.com

Or securely upload application materials to: https://cizekassociates.com/contact/

Search Consultant:
Sheila Lehker, President
Cizek Associates, Inc.
nmu.dfa@cizekassociates.com
602-553-1066