"Director of Financial Aid"

Company Description

Onondaga Community College, located in Syracuse, NY, is a college of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and one of 30 locally sponsored community colleges throughout New York State. Onondaga County is our sponsor. We offer two-year degree programs that serve as transfer opportunities to baccalaureate degree programs at four-year campuses or for direct entry to the workforce. We also offer certificate programs that can generally be completed in one year. Onondaga is a diverse educational learning community. We are committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere where individuality is not only recognized - but encouraged - to contribute to the fabric of the campus environment. We continue to serve the educational and economic development needs of the region and proudly boast more than 40,000 alumni.

Job Description

BROAD FUNCTION
The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership in advancing Onondaga Community College's mission by ensuring students have access to the financial resources necessary for success. This role oversees the administration of all financial aid programs, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and promotes a culture of accuracy, accountability, and student-focused service. The Director collaborates across campus to support recruitment, retention, and student achievement while leading a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional, high-quality service.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all financial aid operations, including applications, awarding, fund reconciliation, reporting, and audits.
• Provide oversight of all federal, state, institutional, and external aid programs including grants, loans, work-study and scholarships to ensure compliant, equitable, and timely administration.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial aid policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Provide guidance to students on financial aid options, appeals, and regulatory requirements, ensuring a student-centered service experience.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate financial aid staff, promoting teamwork and professional development.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, Student Central, and external partners to coordinate services and share accurate information.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare required state and federal reports, and ensure timely submission to oversight entities.
• Manage vendor relationships and integration with institutional systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support enrollment, retention, and institutional goals.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, higher education, public administration, or a related field from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible financial aid experience in higher education, including federal, state, and institutional programs.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory and/or leadership experience.
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., Colleague, Banner).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in higher education, business administration, public administration, or related field from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency.
• Extensive financial aid administration experience, including federal, state, and institutional programs.
• Proven leadership in managing teams and complex operations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in student services.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish. English and other languages will be considered.

Additional Information

• Salary range is: $70,862 - $88,578 commensurate with credentials and relevant experience.
• Onondaga Community College offers a generous and competitive benefits package including: New York State Local Retirement System (pension) or an Optional Retirement Plan (401a). Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans (qualifying domestic partner included).
• Onondaga Community College participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible borrowers.

Application Instructions

To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter at time of application. The three (3) references listed on the application must be professional references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. Finalists will be contacted prior to references being checked. Offers are contingent upon the completion of a background check, and official transcripts are required upon hire. Please contact hr@sunyocc.edu if you have questions. Apply Now