Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid (Hybrid)

How to Apply

We require a cover letter for consideration for this position and attach it as the first page of your resume. The cover letter must include examples of how your past work experience is applicable to this position.

Job Summary

The Sr. Associate Director of Financial Aid is a leadership position responsible for the direct oversight of daily operations within the Office of Financial Aid. You will support students and families through strategic programs, campus partnerships, scholarship administration, system enhancements, comprehensive training, customer service, and outreach efforts. The Senior Associate Director reports to the Director. You will ensure regulatory compliance, deliver comprehensive staff training, and oversee program management of Federal, State, and Institutional aid offerings. You will be the offices primary point for managing complex student appeals and exception processing, promoting an office culture of accuracy, efficiency, process improvement, and student-centered support.

Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Assist the Director in providing strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of financial aid administration.
• Manage scheduling, workflow assignments, and office coverage to maintain service levels for students and families.
• Lead office projects for process improvement, technology use, customer service, and program management enhancements.

Compliance

• Support compliance efforts with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, including regular audits, reporting, and policy updates.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational procedures to ensure compliance with Title IV regulations, State of Michigan rules, and institutional policies.
• Remain current on developments in higher education financial aid, translating regulatory requirements into office practice and documentation.
• Design and implement internal quality control systems to ensure compliance.
• Develop, deliver, and assess comprehensive training programs and tools regarding office-wide operations.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities to financial aid staff.

Program Management

• Administer and award endowed scholarship funds, ensuring accurate processing, awards, and related services.
• Oversee customer service operations, counseling parents and students regarding financial aid eligibility and family educational financing options.
• Manage outreach and communications, including printed publications, websites, letter templates, and CRM.
• Promote a student-focused environment by modeling service standards and supporting challenging case resolution.
• Oversee all aspects of program administration for Federal, State, and Institutional aid programs.
• Collaborate with other campus departments (e.g., Enrollment Management, Student Accounts, Registrar, Student Affairs) to ensure seamless aid processing.
• Provide oversight for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) re-evaluation appeals.
• Chair or serve as member of the institutional aid appeals committee.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution;
• Minimum 5 years progressively responsible financial aid experience, with at least 3 years at a supervisory/management level.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal, state, and institutional financial aid program administration.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV regulations and state aid guidelines.
• Experience with staff training, compliance oversight, and appeals management.
• Demonstrated use of technology to improve administrative processes.
• Demonstrate there are no restrictions that would prevent you from obtaining authorization to NSLDS, COD, and other federal financial aid processing sites

Modes of Work

Hybrid: The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.