POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and day-to-day administration of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This role ensures regulatory compliance, supports enrollment and retention goals, and delivers exceptional service to students and families throughout the financial aid process. The Director serves as the institution's principal financial aid authority and works collaboratively across divisions to advance the mission of Morris College.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and manage all aspects of the financial aid office, including staff supervision, budget oversight, and operational planning.
- Develop and implement financial aid packaging strategies aligned with enrollment and retention goals.
- Ensure full compliance with Title IV federal regulations, state aid programs, and institutional policies.
- Oversee administration of all aid programs including Pell Grant, Direct Loans, SEOG, Work-Study, SC Tuition Grants, and institutional scholarships.
- Manage the annual awarding process and maintain accurate student aid records within the Student Information System (SIS).
- Serve as the institution's primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Education, state agencies, and accrediting bodies.
- Prepare and submit all required federal and state reports, including FISAP and IPEDS.
- Collaborate with Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, and Academic Affairs to support student success and institutional goals.
- Counsel students and families on financial aid options, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and loan repayment obligations.
- Train and develop financial aid staff on regulatory updates, best practices, and customer service standards.
- Monitor financial aid budgets and report on aid utilization to senior leadership.
- Stay current on changes to federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and communicate updates across the division.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive financial aid experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- In-depth, demonstrated knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
- Hands-on experience with financial aid management systems (Banner, PowerFAIDS, or equivalent).
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven, student-centered environment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and student success.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience at an HBCU or small private liberal arts institution.
- Familiarity with South Carolina state aid programs and state agency relationships.
- Experience integrating financial aid strategy within a broader enrollment management model.
- Knowledge of default management strategies and federal loan counseling best practices.
Please send cover letter, resume, transcripts and list of three references to alawson@morris.edu
