Director of Financial Aid

operations; supervising financial aid staff; and collaborating with campus stakeholders to provide exceptional service to prospective and current students.

The Director serves as the University's primary authority on financial aid regulations and compliance and develops policies, procedures, and initiatives that support the University's mission as a private institution.

Typically works Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM –5:00 PM. Evening and weekend hours may be required during peak processing periods, enrollment events, audits, and special programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Administration

• Direct and oversee all financial aid operations, including the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial aid policies and procedures that ensure compliance with applicable regulations and best practices.
• Provide leadership, supervision, training, and performance management for financial aid staff.
• Establish service standards and operational goals that promote a student-centered approach to financial aid administration.
• Evaluate and improve office processes, technology utilization, and workflow efficiencies.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Serve as the University's primary compliance officer for financial aid programs and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all federal Title IV regulations, state aid programs, accreditation standards, and institutional policies.
• Oversee Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, campus-based aid programs, state grants, scholarships, verification, satisfactory academic progress, professional judgment, and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) processes.
• Develop and maintain internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
• Coordinate and manage federal, state, and external audits, program reviews, and compliance reporting activities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and implement required operational updates.

Financial Aid Strategy and Enrollment Support

• Collaborate with Enrollment Management leadership to develop financial aid strategies that support recruitment, retention, and enrollment objectives.
• Provide financial aid modeling, analysis, and recommendations regarding institutional aid and scholarship programs.
• Assist with annual aid budget development, scholarship allocation strategies, and financial aid forecasting.
• Analyze student aid data and enrollment trends to support institutional decision-making.

Scholarship and Fund Management

• Oversee the awarding and administration of institutional scholarships, endowed scholarships, and external scholarship programs.
• Partner with Advancement, Business, and Enrollment offices to ensure effective stewardship of scholarship funds.
• Develop policies and procedures for the administration of third-party scholarships and external funding sources.

Systems and Reporting

• Oversee financial aid management systems and ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy.
• Maintain and utilize the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), FAFSA Partner Portal, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and other federal systems.
• Prepare and submit required federal, state, and institutional reports.
• Conduct data analysis and provide regular reports to senior leadership regarding financial aid utilization, compliance, and student outcomes.

Student Service and Outreach

• Ensure exceptional customer service for students, families, faculty, staff, and external constituents.
• Provide counseling and guidance regarding financial aid eligibility, financing options, and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the University at recruitment events, financial aid workshops, professional conferences, and community outreach activities.
• Develop financial literacy and student loan education initiatives.

Collaboration and Institutional Service

• Work collaboratively with Enrollment Management, Student Accounts, Business Affairs, Registrar, Admissions, Academic Affairs, and Advancement offices.
• Serve on University committees and task forces as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Thomas University leadership.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree, Master's degree preferred, from an accredited institution.
• Financial aid experience in higher education.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience administering federal Title IV programs and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Preferred

• Experience in a private college or university environment.
• Experience with financial aid leveraging, enrollment strategy, and scholarship management.
• Experience with financial aid management systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of enrollment management principles and financial aid leveraging strategies.
• Strong analytical and data management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff development abilities.
• Knowledge of financial aid management systems, databases, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and implement effective policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and collegial environment.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.