Director of Financial Aid/Veterans & Scholarships

Niagara Community College; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Niagara Community College is seeking a mission-driven Director of Financial Aid/Veterans & Scholarships. This full-time role involves leading the financial aid office, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and promoting access and success for students. Applicants should possess a strong background in financial aid, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to diversity and equity in a community college setting.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• Five years professional experience in college financial aid setting.
• Two years at Assistant Director level or above.
• Experience in community college financial aid settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all aspects of financial aid administration.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Supervises and evaluates financial aid office staff.

Skills

Knowledge of Title IV programs

Financial literacy

Cross-departmental collaboration

Student advocacy

Education

Master’s degree in Education, College Student Personnel, or related field

Job description

Director of Financial Aid/Veterans & Scholarships

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

For full consideration applications must be submitted by July 21, 2025. if a viable candidate is not found during the initial review, applications submitted after July 21, 2025 will be consideredSUNY Niagara considers only those applications that clearly demonstrate the applicant meets all required qualifications as indicated on the posting, please review the qualifications before applying. Persons meeting the required qualifications as stated above should submit the following:

• cover letter that addresses each of the qualifications
• resume
• unofficial transcripts
• names and contact information for three (3) current, work related references

Incomplete packets will be rejected for lack of information.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Director of Financial Aid/Veterans & Scholarships

Position Category

Position Category Full Time Staff

Position Status

Position Status 12 Month

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary $75,400 - $86,710

Department

Working Hours

Working Hours Monday - Friday (Evening and weekend hours may be required)

General Description

SUNY Niagara, a student-centered, inclusive institution, is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Director of Financial Aid/Veterans & Schololarships to lead our Financial Aid Office during a time of significant change in federal regulations and growing student needs.

The Director of Financial Aid oversees all aspects of financial aid administration, ensuring compliance with complex and evolving federal and state regulations. This leader plays a critical role in supporting student access and success by managing aid programs, overseeing a dedicated team, and promoting financial literacy. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of Title IV programs, a strategic mindset, and a passion for serving students in a diverse, community college environment. The Director will will need to be adept at cross-departmental collaboration, and student advocacy.

SUNY Niagara provides phenomenal benefits to our employees. Please visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/hr/benefits to view our benefits offerings. SUNY Niagara’s exceptional work environment fosters growth and personal fulfillment. As an employee, you can expect:

Work-Life Balance: When employees can balance their work and personal lives, they are happier, more productive, and better positioned to support our students. At SUNY Niagara, generous paid time off, holiday, and leave policies make this possible. Our college closes for winter break from late December through early January and a week in mid-March for spring recess. In the summer, employees observe a four-day workweek, allowing them to enjoy all that Western New York offers.

Professional Growth: SUNY Niagara cares about employees’ professional advancement and development. You will have access to ongoing training, programs, and workshops. We support career growth and encourage employees to pursue further education.

Welcoming Culture: SUNY Niagara values the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice as they create a sense of belonging for our students and employees. We foster a collaborative culture that respects and appreciates different perspectives, ideas, and backgrounds which contribute to the richness of our institution. We believe that our diverse, inclusive community enriches the experiences of students and employees alike.

Meaningful Work: At SUNY Niagara, your work will directly impact the lives of our students and the region we serve. Our college is for all who are passionate about teaching and focused on supporting students. Our small class sizes facilitate engagement. You will shape students’ futures, prepare them for successful careers, and empower them to contribute to society. Your dedication and expertise will propel students to achieve their educational goals.

Become part of an institution that values employees, positively impacts students’ lives, and invests in its community.

Typical Work Activities

1. Administers and evaluates a financial aid program that assists students to realistically assessing their responsibilities regarding the financial obligations of a college education.

2. Administers the assignment funds to eligible students in accordance with the philosophy and regulations concerning financial assistance of the College and the various sources of these funds.

3. Supervises, motivates, and evaluates the professional, para-professional, and support staff assigned to the financial aid office.

4. Ensures that the College is in compliance with all federal and state regulations.

5. Maintains appropriate records and submits reports to the various state/federal government agencies and other sources, including the administration, as required.

6. Maintains an internal records system necessary for the proper maintenance and utilization of data in the College’s database.

7. Works closely with the business and accounting department to ensure timely and accurate coordination of financial aid data.

8. Works closely with the Director of Admissions to develop and maintain an efficient enrollment process.

9. Ensures a student-centered approach to assisting students with the financial aid process.

10. Works in conjunction with the Business Office with both internal and external audits.

11. Supervises the Veterans and the Scholarship offices.

12. Works closely with the community regarding financial aid literacy and conducts parent/student financial aid nights at various venues.

13. Performs other appropriate duties as required by the Vice President of Student Services and the President of the College.

Essential Functions

Must be able to articulate college programs and the financial aid process to individuals and groups; must be able to relate to senior college, university, and secondary school officials; must be able to travel locally; must be able to write reports utilizing computer technology; must be able to become proficient with the computer technology related to the financial aid process.

Required Qualifications

• Five (5) years professional experience working in a college financial aid setting or related experience, two of which must have been at the Assistant Director level or above.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, College Student Personnel, or a related field;
• Three (3) years professional work experience in a financial aid setting at a community college.

License(s)/Certifications

About SUNY Niagara

SUNY Niagara is a thriving educational institution located between the picturesque landscapes of Niagara Falls and the vibrant city of Buffalo, NY. Our college serves a diverse student population and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. With a commitment to academic excellence and student success, SUNY Niagara offers a supportive and collaborative environment for both faculty and staff.

SUNY Niagara is an accredited institution of higher education that offers high-quality academic programs leading to degrees and certificates that are supported by outstanding student services. The top 4 majors of our students are Liberal Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. In 2023, SUNY Niagara ranked #1 in graduation rate among community colleges in New York State!

SUNY Niagara provides a variety of cultural, athletic, social, and international experiences, as well as community education, small business, and workforce development that supports economic development that positively impacts the quality of life of valued stakeholders. The college operates through a collegial model of shared governance and transparency and is accountable for meeting the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

SUNY Niagara has two locations in western New York consisting of 287 acres and 11 buildings. The Sanborn, campus is minutes from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and the Canadian border and is centrally located between the county’s three main cities of Lockport, Niagara Falls, and North Tonawanda. The Sanborn campus offers a traditional college experience with world-class academics, knowledgeable faculty members, state-of-the-art classrooms, NJCAA athletics, and on-campus housing. We continue to invest in our facilities with the addition of the Learning Commons Center, which has become the nucleus of the campus; a place for faculty to collaborate and help students develop critical thinking skills while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and innovative student support services. We also modernized our campus dining commons, providing quality meal options in a sleek, comfortable, collaborative environment.

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute ( NFCI ) is located in the heart of one of the world’s biggest tourist destinations, Niagara Falls. Fully outfitted with modern labs and tools for students to use as they train in both classic and trendy techniques, NFCI is home to Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Hospitality programs. The college also operates Savor, a fine dining restaurant, and La Patisserie, a European-style pastry café, at NFCI .

Our college nurtures and empowers its students and employees in ways that recognize and value our common humanity as well as the richness of our diversity. SUNY Niagara welcomes applicants who want to join a leading regional institution that provides a dynamic, educational environment, responds to students’ current and emerging needs, and strengthens its community. At SUNY Niagara we embrace diversity and promote inclusion throughout the institution by recognizing, accepting, and celebrating differences within our campus and surrounding communities. Therefore, we desire and pursue candidates who share those principles and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

EEO Statement

SUNY Niagara does not discriminate and prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected category including creed, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, sexual orientation, domestic violence status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Posting Number

Posting Number S342P

Open Date

Open Date 06/18/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions Summary

For full consideration applications must be submitted by July 21, 2025. if a viable candidate is not found during the initial review, applications submitted after July 21, 2025 will be consideredSUNY Niagara considers only those applications that clearly demonstrate the applicant meets all required qualifications as indicated on the posting, please review the qualifications before applying. Persons meeting the required qualifications as stated above should submit the following:

• cover letter that addresses each of the qualifications
• resume
• unofficial transcripts
• names and contact information for three (3) current, work related references

Incomplete packets will be rejected for lack of information.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is the highest level of education attained?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PHD
• * How many years of professional experience working in a college financial aid setting or related experience do you have?
  • No experience
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5 or more years
• * How many years of experience do you have at the Assistant Director level or above?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2-4 years
  • 5 plus years

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Transcripts

Optional Documents

Letter of Recommendation

Certifications/Licenses

Transcript 2

Transcript 3

Human Resources
A261 Notar Administration Building
3111 Saunders Settlement Road Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone - 716-614-5950, Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

SUNY Niagara does not discriminate and prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected category including creed, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, domestic violence status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply