Financial Aid Director

The City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 118,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

The City University of New York's Hostos Community College seeks a Director of Financial Aid to oversee all staff, operations and compliance for the Financial Aid Office. The role focuses on data-informed decision making and strategic leadership to ensure timely delivery of student aid funds.

Collaboration with Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs is essential to align enrollment, retention and completion goals while maintaining on-campus presence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience.
• Master's Degree and at least five years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs and compliance regulations.
• Experience in preparing state and federal reports.
• Knowledge of financial aid software and database management.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages all Financial Aid Office staff and operations.
• Develops data-informed financial aid strategies analyzing aid utilization and outcomes.
• Leads cross-functional planning with Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.
• Establishes department goals and assesses outcomes; implements improvements.
• Oversees financial aid management systems and technology platforms.
• Prepares and presents reports on trends, performance metrics, and compliance.
• Performs data analyses using CUNYfirst to project needs and improvements.
• Develops staff training on SIS navigation and Title IV compliance.
• Communicates effectively with College leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Excellent counseling skills

Ability to quickly organize and Commun

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

EDE electronic processing system

Web Grants

CUNYfirst

Job description

POSITION DETAILS

The mission of the Financial Aid Office at Hostos Community College is to provide professional services to students that will remove financial barriers and empower them to meet their educational goals. Through the strict adherence of federal, state, city and University requirements, the Office of Financial Aid incorporates best practices pursuant to national, regional and state association guidelines to ensure timely and professional delivery of student aid funds.

POSITION DETAILS

The mission of the Financial Aid Office at Hostos Community College is to provide professional services to students that will remove financial barriers and empower them to meet their educational goals. Through the strict adherence of federal, state, city and University requirements, the Office of Financial Aid incorporates best practices pursuant to national, regional and state association guidelines to ensure timely and professional delivery of student aid funds.

The Office of Financial Aid staff is committed to help students understand the various financial aid programs that are available, and to work with those who face significant financial difficulties while enrolled at Hostos. In addition, we strive to deliver high quality services with professional competency and concern. The office staff is dedicated to the equitable treatment of all applicants and the privacy of confidential information.

Financial Aid counseling is available on an individual basis, by appointment, and via group workshops conducted throughout the academic year. Staff provide assistance with online filing of financial aid forms as well as monitor student records to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. All available resources are used to ensure that finances do not prevent qualified students from earning a college degree.

Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities described in the CUNY Title Overview section below, duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Oversees and manages all Financial Aid Office staff and operations.
• Develops and leverages data-informed financial aid strategies by analyzing aid utilization, student need, and award outcomes to enhance student access, affordability, and overall success.
• Leads cross-functional strategic planning initiatives with Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs to align enrollment, retention, and completion efforts with institutional priorities and student success goals.
• Establishes department goals and assesses outcomes; implements continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversees the effective us of financial aid management systems and technology platforms.
• Prepares and presents reports on financial aid trends, performance metrics, compliance, and student outcomes
• Performs complex data analyses on financial aid processes using CUNYfirst to make projections and create improvement plans.
• Oversees internal reconciliation efforts and reports to auditors, program reviewers and accreditation teams.
• Develops training for staff to maximize operational efforts. Training areas include, but are not limited to; effective navigation of the student information system, new developments in Title IV program eligibility system, etc.
• Effectively communicates and collaborates with College leadership.
• Additional duties assigned as needed.
• Essential duties require on campus presence.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

The Following Are Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree and at least five years of supervisory experience with progressively increasing responsibility and demonstrated success in managing financial aid operations at the University level
• Knowledge of financial aid trends as they related to the use and delivery of student financial aid management, as well as state and institutional fund management; thorough knowledge of an experience in implementing federal, state and institutional financial aid program practices, laws and compliance regulations
• Experience in preparing state and federal reports
• Knowledge of industry related software and database management to deliver, track and evaluate financial aid technology and strategies
• Excellent computer skills for managing an integrated financial aid computerized record keeping system EDE electronic processing system including Electronic PELL and Web Grants
• Excellent counseling skills required to interface with students, prospective students, student families, faculty, staff, external organizations and other individuals
• Ability to quickly organize and communicate thoughts in order to speak effectively with coworkers, public and student populations
• Ability to work outside of standard business hours to complete job requirements/assignments

Cuny Title Overview

Develops and oversees student financial aid programs in accordance with Federal/State laws and regulations and University guidelines.

• Develops and interprets financial aid policies and procedures with regard to Federal and NY State programs such as internal loan programs, all state and federal loan programs, Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, College Work Study, and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
• Reports on general and fiscal matters such as program expenditures, projections of full-year spending potential, and analyses of spending patterns
• Authorizes the disbursement of funds
• Monitors compliance with Federal and State financial aid regulations, developing and implementing compliance procedures
• Serves as College liaison to Federal, State, local and professional agencies on financial aid matters
• Assures that the Financial Aid function works effectively with other College units (e.g., Admissions, Registrar, Bursar)
• Manages financial aid staffing, development, and evaluation
• Performs related duties as assigned.

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

Compensation And Benefits

$117,971 - $136,040; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled with review of applications to begin September 7, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID: 32661

Location: Hostos Community College

Job Type: Full-Time