Director of Financial Aid Programs & Operations

Kent State University; Kent (OH); On-site; USD 86,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, seeks a Director of Financial Aid Programs and Administration to lead the Student Financial Aid Department on Kent Campus.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 6+ years in student financial aid with supervisory experience, overseeing staff, budgets, and program development. It involves strategic planning, compliance, and external communications. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, public administration, business administration, or a relevant field.
• Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in student financial aid in higher education, including two years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coordination, and supervision for activities of the Student Financial Aid department through a team of administrative, professional, and support staff; oversee personnel.
• Work closely with Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management to establish department goals, objectives, and strategies; develop programs and activities to accomplish goals, improve the image of the university, and attract and retain students.
• Work closely with Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management in strategic planning activities for the department and make recommendations concerning utilization of staff, procedural modifications, operating budget needs, publications, and purchase requisitions consistent with departmental objectives and activities; develop annual student aid packaging and awarding guidelines.
• Assist Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management as needed with annual audits, program reviews, FISAP, final reconciliation and other reports as required.
• Ensure compliance and consistency with all federal, state, and university policies and regulations related to student aid; consult with department staff to provide technical support and interpretation of policies and regulations.
• Lead internal and external communications for financial aid information in a proactive manner to include managing a website, financial aid portal content, and informational brochures.
• Serve as operational liaison with various university offices to ensure resolution of inter-departmental procedural conflicts and timely awarding of student aid.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with academic units, administrative offices, and external partners to ensure timely awarding of financial aid.
• Conduct student aid presentations to campus and community groups to recruit and retain students.
• Resolve and respond to complaints regarding student aid issues.
• Evaluate technical needs and enhancements used in financial aid administration and incorporate improvements and modifications when appropriate.
• Serve on various departmental, divisional, and university committees.
• May manage all office functions in the absence of the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid; represent the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid at professional meetings and in university committees as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned

Skills

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Project management

Education

Master's degree in higher education administration, public administration, business administration, or a relevant field

Job description

Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, seeks a Director of Financial Aid Programs and Administration to lead the Student Financial Aid Department on Kent Campus.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 6+ years in student financial aid with supervisory experience, overseeing staff, budgets, and program development. It involves strategic planning, compliance, and external communications. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.