Assistant Director, Federal Grants and Work Programs

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking an Assistant Director of Federal Grant and Work Programs to oversee the Federal Pell Grant, Campus-Based Title IV aid programs, and R2T4 processes. The role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while operating with limited day‑to‑day oversight.

The position leads policy changes, designs procedures, and serves as the primary liaison among the Division of Financial Aid, Purdue IT, the Office of the Bursar, and other partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; six years of professional experience in administrative or customer service roles.
• Strong communication skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Solid analytical capabilities and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Federal Pell Grant and Campus-Based Title IV aid programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Lead policy changes and design procedures to mitigate risk.
• Serve as liaison among Financial Aid, Purdue IT, Bursar, and partners.
• Supervise two professional staff and provide training on processes.
• Advise students and families on financial aid topics; support outreach.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Microsoft Suite

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Federal Grant and Work Programs provides oversight for the Federal Pell Grant, Campus-Based Title IV aid programs, and Withdrawal/Return to Title IV (R2T4) processes. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while operating with limited day‑to‑day oversight.

The Assistant Director leads the development and implementation of policy changes, designs procedures and quality-control reports to mitigate risk, and serves as the primary liaison among the Division of Financial Aid, Purdue IT, the Office of the Bursar, and other key partners.

This position leads the reconciliation of federal aid programs, maintains current policies and manuals, and serves as the team’s subject matter expert. The Assistant Director supervises two professional staff, sets project priorities, and provides guidance and training on financial aid processes.

Additionally, the role advises students, families, and stakeholders on financial aid topics, supports outreach events, and contributes to goal setting, planning, and operational improvements as a member of the Division of Financial Aid operations team.

At Purdue, you’ll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together.

About Us

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

What We’re Looking For

Education and Experience

Qualified candidates will need:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Six (6) year of experience of professional experience in administrative or customer service roles.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Skills needed

• Interpersonal communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively orally and through email with a wide-ranging group of students, parents, and colleagues.
• Strong technological skillset (familiarity with software and Microsoft Suite).
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• Experience in customer service, financial aid or higher education and supervision are preferred.

What We Will Like You To Know

Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position

A background check will be required for employment

FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)

Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer: All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Career Stream

Career Stream (internal and externally posted): Professional 4

Pay Band S065

Job Code#20003137

Link to Purdue University’s Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EOE employer

Posting Start Date: 8/21/26