Executive Director, Admissions & Financial Aid
Title: Executive Director for Admissions and Financial Aid
Department: Enrollment, Marketing & Communications
Location: Belmont, California (Hybrid)
Reports to: Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Target Salary: $150,000-170,000 / year
Position Summary:
The Executive Director for Admissions and Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s enrollment management functions, including student recruitment, admissions, and financial aid. This position plays a critical role in shaping NDNU’s enrollment strategy, advancing access and affordability, and ensuring a seamless, student-centered experience from inquiry to enrollment. The Executive Director leads a cross-functional team responsible for meeting…
enrollment goals, strengthening recruitment pipelines, and administering financial aid programs in alignment with NDNU’s mission, strategic priorities, and compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Working with key stakeholders, develop and implement a comprehensive, data-informed enrollment strategy for each NDNU school that supports NDNU’s growth and mission-driven priorities.
- Collaborate with academic, marketing, partnerships, and student success leaders to align recruitment, financial aid, and retention efforts.
- Analyze market trends, student demographics, and program performance to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
- Serve as a senior advisor on enrollment and financial aid policy, compliance, and innovation.
Admissions Management
- Oversee all degree completion and graduate admissions operations, ensuring an efficient and personalized applicant experience.
- Lead the development of recruitment strategies, partnering with the Marketing and Strategic Partnerships teams.
- Ensure timely and data-driven admissions processes that reflect NDNU’s commitment to diversity, access, and academic quality.
- Act as the PDSO (Principal Designated School Official) responsible for overseeing a school's compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
Financial Aid Administration
- Direct all financial aid operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Design and manage financial aid strategies that maximize access, affordability, and fiscal responsibility.
- Execute forecasting, modeling, and optimizing the university’s financial aid budget.
- Promote transparent communication and counseling practices that help students make informed financial decisions.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across admissions and financial aid.
- Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on student success and continuous improvement.
- Represent NDNU at external community events, recruitment fairs, and professional associations.
Qualifications Required:
- Master’s degree in higher education, business, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in admissions, financial aid, or enrollment management.
- Proven success in developing and executing enrollment strategies that achieve or exceed institutional goals.
- Strong understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations, compliance, and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to use data analytics, CRM systems, and technology to drive decision-making and improve outcomes.
- Exceptional leadership, team building, communications, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to NDNU’s mission of social justice, diversity, and inclusive education.
Preferred:
- Experience in an adult-serving, online, and/or hybrid higher education environment.
- Familiarity with Element451, or similar CRM systems.
Application Procedures:
NDNU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse student population. In your cover letter, please include information about your experiences in working in a diverse environment, and what qualities you would bring to supporting this commitment to inclusive excellence at NDNU.
