Director - Financial Aid

Inside Higher Ed; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A public higher education institution in Savannah is seeking a Director of Financial Aid. This role is responsible for coordinating financial aid programs and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of ten years of experience in financial aid. Applications are encouraged from those who have strong leadership skills and a thorough knowledge of financial aid compliance. The salary range is between $88,000.00 - $95,000.00 annually.

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in a financial aid office.
• Three to five years of experience supervising professional staff.
• Experience working with an integrated student information system.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate departmental staff.
• Plan and implement strategic initiatives for the Office of Financial Aid.
• Oversee financial aid operations including applications processing.

Skills

Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements

Leadership and team development

Effective communication

Project and process management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Banner student information system

Job description

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

Job Title: Director - Financial Aid

Location: Savannah State Recruiting Loc

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 293754

Job Summary

The Director of Financial Aid coordinates, implements, and administers student financial aid programs and collaborates with appropriate campus partners as necessary. The incumbent implements and administers University System of Georgia, institutional, federal and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules and regulations governing student Financial Aid. The Director is responsible for the management of Financial Aid application processing and communications. The incumbent establishes and re-engineers the delivery of Financial Aid services in accordance with policies and best practices.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate departmental staff.
• Plan and implement strategic and operational initiatives for the Office of Financial Aid while collaborating with campus partners in Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other university departments to ensure efficient service delivery to all students.
• Design process flows to ensure timely completion of all tasks assigned to the office.
• Allocate funding within the Banner system to ensure accurate financial aid awards and packages.
• Oversee reconciliation to ensure student information system data is consistent with funding systems.
• Manage financial assistance programs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Oversee Financial Aid Office operations including applications processing and communications.
• Oversee financial aid counseling, needs analysis, forms completion, and all other financial aid related processing activities
• Oversee the processing of grants, loans, and employment funds for new and continuing students.
• Monitor the annual operating budget for the Financial Aid Office.
• Coordinate the annual review and updates to prepare for verification processing and aid delivery for each academic year.
• Maintain accurate records of awards, adjustments, appeals, etc. in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Provide training and support to assigned staff, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute strategic financial aid plans, aligning with enrollment and retention goals.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness, maintaining accurate documentation and implementing corrective actions.
• Assist in the coordination of the Institution's responses to any/all internal and external audits related to student financial aid.
• Assist in other areas of Enrollment Management as required and work collaboratively with the others.
• Comply with USG, institutional, state, and federal policies and procedures for the administration of student financial aid programs.
• Provide responsive and high-quality customer service to all clients: students, community, faculty, and staff.
• May be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically delineated in this description.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree required.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a financial aid office.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state student financial programs and regulations.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience supervising professional staff members.
• Experience working with an integrated student information system.
• Financial Aid experience in a comprehensive institution with undergraduate and graduate level students.
• Experience working with Banner student information system.
• Experience with electronic communications and marketing financial aid programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Experience with Financial Aid operations in a public higher education environment.

Salary

The proposed salary range is $88,000.00 - $95,000.00 annually.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of institutional aid policies and scholarship administration, including packaging methodologies and cost of attendance.
• Knowledge of financial aid systems and technology.
• Leadership and team development, including training, performance management, and fostering a student-centered culture.
• Data analysis and reporting, including compliance audits, dashboards, and financial modeling for aid strategies.
• Effective communication, translating complex regulations into clear guidance for students, families, and stakeholders.
• Project and process management, ensuring timely awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation during peak cycles.
• Ability to interpret and implement federal and state regulations governing the administration of student financial assistance programs.
• Ability to cultivate a work environment that fosters employee development to meet organizational goals.

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by January 30, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [e-mail]. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at [phone], or email [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at [e-mail]. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail].

Institutional Values

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity (Policy Details)

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia. The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status. All employment processes and decisions shall be free of ideological tests and inappropriate considerations; the institution must hire based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at [e-mail]. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail].

Special Applicant Instructions

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.