Director of Financial Aid

Job Description

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all financial aid functions at Zane State College. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while advancing the Colleges goals for affordability, access, and retention. The Director develops and implements financial aid strategies, oversees systems and reporting, manages departmental staff, and fosters collaboration across departments to enhance student success.

Personal Touch: All major activities, essential duties, and responsibilities shall be performed integrating the personal touch philosophy, which defines our College. The personal touch is characterized by respect, responsiveness, and responsibility in all relationships and is an attitude toward students, colleagues, and community members demonstrating respect, acceptance, responsibility, courteousness, and genuineness.

Assessment: Contributions to assessment for continuous quality improvement of the academic support area(s) within the assigned scope of responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Financial Aid Office, ensuring alignment with institutional goals for access, retention, and success.
• Oversee administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs and ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations and reporting requirements.
• Supervise Financial Aid staff, delegate responsibilities, conduct performance reviews, and foster professional development.
• Manage financial aid systems, including Jenzabar or other financial aid management systems, and coordinate process improvements with Information Technology.
• Oversee Return to Title IV (R2T4) processing, reconciliation, and audit readiness.
• Develop and implement financial literacy initiatives and community outreach programming.
• Monitor borrowing trends, default management, and key performance indicators.
• Prepare and submit required federal and state reports (FISAP, IPEDS, HEI, and others).
• Serve as a liaison to the Business Office, Registrar, Admissions, and Foundation to align aid strategies with enrollment and retention goals.
• Represent the College in financial aid-related meetings, trainings, and compliance reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.
• Experience with an Associates Degree: An Associates degree with at least 5–7 years of progressively responsible financial aid experience and 5–7 years of leadership experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelors degree.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive financial aid experience, including leadership and compliance responsibilities.
• Skills: Expert knowledge of Title IV regulations; strong analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities; proficiency with Jenzabar or other financial aid systems and Microsoft Office Suite; excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Employment and Benefits

ZSC offers an excellent benefits package, including the following:

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive healthcare plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• HSA/FSA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental retirement savings plans
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal leave