Executive Director of Student Financial Services

Creative Financial Staffing; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Financial Staffing, LLC partner university seeks an Executive Director of Student Financial Services to lead financial aid and student accounts operations. The role focuses on strategic initiatives, process improvement, and service excellence for a private Christian higher education institution.

The successful candidate will oversee staff, drive an integrated customer service center, manage technology initiatives, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations while collaborating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years in higher education financial aid, student accounts, or integrated services leadership.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily financial aid and student accounts operations with staff supervision.
• Lead development and implementation of an integrated student financial services customer service center.
• Develop strategies to improve operational efficiency and streamline processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state regulations governing financial aid and student accounts.
• Establish internal controls to minimize processing errors and strengthen compliance.
• Lead technology initiatives to improve processing, accounts management, reporting, and service quality.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to processing times and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with data owners to analyze trends and provide performance dashboards.
• Partner with university departments to simplify processes and enhance student experience.
• Build relationships with agencies, loan providers, and scholarship organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Ellucian Banner

Job description

Executive Director of Student Financial Services

We’re partnering with a growing private university that’s looking to add an Executive Director of Student Financial Services to its leadership team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced higher education professional who enjoys leading financial aid and student accounts operations, improving the student experience, and developing strategic initiatives that drive operational efficiency and service excellence.

If you’re a strategic, student-focused leader with strong experience in higher education financial services, regulatory compliance, team management, and process improvement, this could be a great fit.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee daily financial aid and student accounts operations, including staff supervision, resource allocation, and departmental performance
• Lead the development and implementation of an integrated student financial services customer service center
• Develop strategies to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance the student experience
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing financial aid and student accounts
• Establish internal controls to minimize processing errors, reduce financial risks, and strengthen compliance
• Lead technology initiatives to improve financial aid processing, student account management, reporting, and customer service
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to processing times, student satisfaction, and regulatory compliance
• Partner with institutional data owners to analyze trends, develop student dashboards, and provide performance reports
• Collaborate with university departments to simplify processes and create a seamless student experience
• Build relationships with federal and state agencies, loan providers, and scholarship organizations to expand financial aid opportunities
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and professional development opportunities for departmental staff
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and departmental performance

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; master’s degree preferred
• 7+ years of related experience, preferably in higher education financial aid, student accounts, or integrated student services leadership
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and student account compliance requirements
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing departmental operations, and developing staff
• Experience implementing strategic initiatives and improving business processes
• Strong understanding of financial aid processing, student account management, and customer service operations
• Experience with technology solutions, reporting, and performance metrics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Ellucian Banner experience preferred
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, university leadership, and external stakeholders
• Commitment to the mission and values of a private Christian higher education institution

Why This Role?

• Play a key leadership role in shaping student financial services at a growing private university
• Oversee multiple critical functions, including financial aid, student accounts, and customer service
• Drive strategic initiatives focused on operational efficiency, technology, and an improved student experience
• Lead and develop a team while influencing institution-wide processes
• Join an institution focused on growth, innovation, and expanding its academic programs
• Make a meaningful impact by helping students and families navigate the financial aspects of higher education

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