Financial Aid Assistant Director - Enrollment & Retention | Financial Aid

CIO Applications Europe; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid to oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional aid programs, and lead initiatives that support recruitment, retention and student success.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, this 12‑month, full‑time role requires strong leadership, policy development, and customer service skills, with responsibilities spanning administration, audits, and collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience with financial aid programs in a college or university setting.
• Extensive knowledge of Title IV regulations governing federal student aid.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff within the financial aid office and mentor student employees.
• Assist with development, implementation, and revision of financial aid policies and procedures.
• Provide information and guidance to students and families via multiple channels.

Skills

Strong customer service

Communication

Leadership ability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft/Oracle Campus Solutions

ImageNow

Job description

Position Title

Financial Aid Assistant Director - Enrollment& Retention | Financial Aid

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Financial Aid Asst Dir

Job Duties

The Office of Financial Aid at the University ofWisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Assistant Director of Financial Aid(AE086, Financial Aid Assistant Director).

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is a 12-month, full-timeposition that reports to the Director of Financial Aid. TheAssistant Director assists the Director in providing direction andleadership for the day-to-day operations of the office, overseesaspects of financial aid administration and aid programs, andcontributes to the development of office policies and procedures inaccordance with applicable rules and regulations. They support theDirector in administration of all federal, state, and institutionalfinancial aid programs, including compliance and reporting, andmake decisions and represent the office in the absence of theDirector. Along with the Director, the Assistant Director isresponsible for supervision, management, and the mentoring ofstaff. The Assistant Director works as a team member in a fast-pacedworkplace focused on customer service, providing support to allstudents at the university. They serve as liaison with otherinstitutional stakeholders, ensuring consistent and responsivedelivery of information and support through administrative,committee, and outreach efforts.

Responsibilities

• In the absence of the Director of Financial Aid, serve as senior administrator in the office.
• Support the Director with overall administration of the office.
• Hire, train, and supervise staff within the financial aid office, including student employees.
• Assist with the development, implementation, monitoring, and revision of policies and procedures relating to financial aid. Monitor internal controls and processes to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures for all activities related to financial aid programs, as well as, review, interpret, and implement new and updated federal and state regulations.
• Provide detailed information and professional guidance to students and family members regarding financial aid. Information is provided via telephone, email, in person, and occasionally to groups at campus informational and summer orientation events.
• Complete file review and verification of aid applications for an assigned subset of students in determining federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility.
• Help develop and implement programs to support university recruitment, retention, graduation, and other student success goals.
• Serve as a liaison to federal, state, and professional agencies on financial aid matters, including federal, state, and Universities of Wisconsin reviews and audits.
• Participate in university committees, including medical withdrawal, enrollment extenuating circumstances, and campus calendar committees, and campus-wide programs as needed.
• Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and workshops when appropriate.
• Complete all training required for the position.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Conditions of Appointment

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidatesmust be legally authorized to work in the United States at the timeof hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employmentterm. If you have questions regarding this, please contact HumanResources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Manages and implements policies and activities for a unit
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent(FTE) employees
• Ensures appropriate staffing, identifies and addresses training needs, and provides back up for area functions as necessary
• Provides strategic leadership to campus partners and serves as liaison to internal and external stakeholders
• Helps develop and make recommendations for the unit budget
• Establishes operational procedures and protocols to support the unit to both prospective and continuing students

Department

The Office of Financial Aid

Compensation

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting salary within therange of $68,000 - $74,000, commensurate with the candidate'seducation, related experience, and qualifications. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learnmore about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, reviewthe UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience with financial aid programs in a college or university setting.
• Extensive knowledge of Title IV regulations governing federal student aid. Areas of concern include verification, needs analysis, conflicting information, packaging, special circumstances, professional judgment, dependency overrides, federal reporting requirements, and Return of Title IV Aid.
• Experience with various financial aid systems, including COD, NSLDS, FSA Partner Connect/FAFSA Partner Portal, etc.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively lead and guide personnel.
• Possess strong customer service and written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented with excellent time management, analytical/problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Familiar with integrated student information systems and document imaging systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software programs.
• Knowledge of and adherence to FERPA and other privacy laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education (Master's degree in higher education, college student personnel, business administration, counseling, or related field preferred).
• Previous leadership or management experience in the administration of student financial aid.
• Knowledge of and experience with other university functional areas that work closely with and/or directly impact financial aid administration, including Registrar’s, Admissions, and Student Accounts/Cashiering Offices.
• Previous experience with financial aid programs designed specifically to support university recruitment, retention, and graduation goals.
• Experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle Campus Solutions and ImageNow.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills

Applications received by February 4th, 2026 are ensured full consideration.

Campus Information

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s. UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.

Organization Information

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu).

Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a). Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.