Vice President Financial Aid

Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Exempt, Regular, Full-Time

The Vice President Financial Aid (VP) will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the administration of all of our federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

The VP ensures full regulatory compliance while advancing a high-quality, learner-centered service model that supports enrollment, retention, and learner success. In addition, they are responsible for developing and implementing a financial aid strategy, utilizing advanced modeling to inform recruitment, retention and graduation goals. We seek a financial aid leader that brings an approach that is data-informed, with a strong operational acumen and a resolve to the delivery of high-touch, leaner-centered services. They will also drive continuous improvement with data analytics, process optimization, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance operational efficiency, and service delivery in support of the overall learner experience.

Relocation to the Maryland / DC /Northern Virginia metro area is required. Upon relocation, this position operates in a hybrid model with three (3) days per week on-site.

Leadership & Operations

Provides strategic leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of institutional financial aid policies and procedures
Serves as the primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Education and other regulatory agencies on all financial aid matters
Establishes and maintains policies, workflows, and service standards that support accurate, efficient, and compliant administration of financial aid programs
Leads financial aid operations, including awarding, packaging, verification, disbursement, loan processing, grants, scholarships, and records management
Oversees the operating budget and ensures responsible stewardship of federal, state and institutional funds
Prepares forecasts and supports planning through accurate reporting

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensures institutional compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations
Oversees audits, program reviews, and required reporting including but not limited to audit preparation and responses, as well as strong internal controls and quality assurance practices
Monitors regulatory developments and advise leadership on operational and policy implications
Remains apprised of the changing federal guidelines to support UMGC learners

Strategy & Enrollment Alignment

Develops and implements a sophisticated financial aid strategy aligned with UMGC's enrollment management plan
Advances a learner-centered service model by establishing service standards and ensuring responsive, accurate, and accessible support across multiple service channels
Leads financial aid modeling efforts and partners with Admissions to support recruitment and conversion strategies
Translates institutional priorities into operational financial practices that support access, retention, and student success
Oversees the design and delivery of customer service strategies that enhance the learner experience and support recruitment and retention goals
Champions the responsible use of AI and automation technologies (e.g., virtual assistants, predictive analytics, intelligent document processing) to improve service responsiveness, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making
Designs and applies assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid strategies and initiatives
Monitors and assesses service performance using key metrics (e.g., response times, resolution rates, learner satisfaction) and implements continuous improvement initiatives
Leads, mentors, and develops staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence in learner service

Collaboration & Student Experience

Partners with institutional stakeholders, to optimize systems and implement scalable, technology-enabled solutions via AI and other optimization platforms
Designs and applies assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid strategies and initiatives
Identifies and implements process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across all financial aid functions
Works with Marketing and Communications to provide clear and timely financial aid information to students and families
Partners with the Registrar and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery

Data, Analytics & Financial Stewardship

Uses data and analytics to inform operational decisions, workload planning, and resource allocation
Provides reporting and insights to Enrollment Management leadership to support recruitment and retention goals
Identifies trends and recommends strategic adjustments to financial aid practices
Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the COO