Director of Financial Aid

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators; Bluffton (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluffton University seeks a Director of Financial Aid to lead the Financial Aid Office, developing aid programs and packages for all students. You will oversee daily operations, budgets, and staff, while ensuring compliance with laws and university policies.

This role partners with Enrollment and Communications to shape long‑term strategy and student access. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of supervisory experience in financial aid.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, higher education administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience in financial aid work.
• Strong written and verbal communication required; ability to work with diverse people.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation and management of Bluffton University’s Financial Aid Office.
• Develop and manage financial aid programs and packages for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state laws and institutional policies; manage audits and reporting.
• Lead and develop staff; coordinate with Registrar and Business Office; manage office budget.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Financial aid knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/higher education administration

Job description

Bluffton University, founded in 1899, located in Bluffton, Ohio, is a place of opportunity and exploration where academic excellence and affordability are priorities; where our enduring values of discovery, community, respect, and service guide everything we do.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the overall operation and management of the Financial Aid Office. This responsibility includes developing an overall financial aid program for Bluffton University; managing the development of financial aid packages for all undergraduate and graduate students who qualify; disbursing gift and loan aid to all students; overseeing day-to-day operation of the office; supervising salaried, hourly, and student staff; developing and maintaining the office budget; and bringing continuous improvement to Bluffton University’s ability to serve students’ financial aid needs. The Director of Financial Aid will work closely with the VP for Enrollment and Communication to develop overall, long-term strategies for attracting students to Bluffton.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCIAL AID MANAGEMENT

• Manage a financial aid program that will result in aid awards and disbursement that meet institutional goals, and strategic planning goals (e.g., discount rates, recruiting, conversion, and retention). Collaborate with VP on building annual strategy for financial aid awarding.
• Set and implement policies and procedures for awarding financial aid that are in compliance with federal and state laws and institutional policies.
• Meet all deadlines for compliance reporting to federal, state and other agencies. Manage the annual audit process and adhere to deadlines for submission. Assure the accuracy of all reported data.
• Initiate and disburse gift aid and loans to all eligible students.
• Exercise appropriate professional judgment within the boundaries of the letter and intent of the law, and within the ethical boundaries of Bluffton’s mission.
• Coordinate records with the Registrar’s Office and the Business Office for accuracy.
• Help recruit students through a trustworthy explanation of financial aid availability.
• Develop and maintain the Financial Aid office budget, in coordination with the VP.
• Lead the financial aid staff to coordinate all financial aid functions and develop the contributions of the staff.
• Serve as the financial aid resource person for the campus community, and for prospective students and their families.
• Keep up to date on the issues and trends in financial aid at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Take initiative to continuously improve Bluffton’s financial aid content and processes, as well as strategies to better serve the students.
• Understand and manage campus data-based financial software. Function effectively in a Jenzabar/PowerFAIDS environment.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Responsible for building productive working relationships with all functional areas on campus.
• Build a culture of relational recruitment with prospective students, families, high school counselors, pastors, alumni, coaches, faculty and community partners that fits within Bluffton’s educational identity.
• Represents the University Enrollment division (and the VP) in a variety of senior leadership meetings across campus and externally, strengthening confidence, collaboration and goodwill.

SUPERVISION

• Supervise regular and student employees to include interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning and directing work, coaching, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Must have a mindset of mentoring employees under supervision. Should be able to lead in a way that sets a good example, promotes teamwork, and encourages a positive, efficient work environment.

OCCASIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop financial aid literature, in collaboration with Admissions.
• Work closely with academic departments and the athletic department, in answering financial aid questions.
• Maintain connection with professional contacts and organizations in the area of financial aid. Represent Bluffton University at Financial Aid Officers meetings and other appropriate professional meetings (e.g. – OASFA).
• Serve on various campus committees such as the Day One Ready team.
• Oversee updates and maintenance of the financial aid section of the University website.
• Work closely with Bluffton’s external Enrollment & Revenue Management System provider.
• Occasional evening and/or weekend duties as needed.
• Other tasks as assigned by Vice President.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, higher education administration, or related field required.
• Previous progressive work experience in financial aid. 5+ years of supervisory experience in financial aid work.

Special Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication; must have ability to work with a variety of different people, and must be able to manage complex data.
• Strong administrative, supervisory, interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills are required, as is a strong commitment to working with students and their parents.
• Strong understanding of federal and state laws that govern the financial aid industry.
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing regulatory environment

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and drive an automobile.

Employment decisions are based on merit and university needs, and not on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by law. As a religious institution, Bluffton University expresses its rights to appoint faculty and staff who share a commitment to the Christian faith which is consistent with the Mennonite/Anabaptist beliefs of the university’s founding and supporting church. EOE.