Strategic Director, Student Financial Services

The Nagler Group; Chicopee (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nagler Group seeks an experienced Director of Student Financial Services to lead financial aid and student accounts at a higher education institution in Chicopee, MA.

This strategic, compliance-minded leader will balance regulatory oversight, financial accountability, and team development while keeping students' needs at the forefront. The role emphasizes operational excellence and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Progressively responsible experience in higher education financial aid administration.
• Strong knowledge of federal Title IV programs, financial aid regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing financial aid budgets, forecasting, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.
• Familiarity with financial aid and student information systems; Colleague is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to lead complex operations while maintaining accuracy and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Financial Aid and Student Accounts, establish priorities, develop staff, and drive operational excellence.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure accurate administration of federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs while maintaining compliance with Title IV requirements and other applicable regulations.
• Financial strategy: Manage financial aid budgets, forecasting, reconciliations, expenditures, and reporting to support responsible institutional decision-making.
• Enrollment and affordability: Partner with enrollment and finance leadership to develop strategies that support student affordability, enrollment goals, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Student account operations: Oversee billing, payment plans, refunds, collections, and related processes to create a coordinated financial services experience.
• Process improvement: Leverage data, technology, and performance metrics to strengthen controls, improve efficiency, and enhance service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Financial analysis

Team development

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Colleague

Job description

The Nagler Group seeks an experienced Director of Student Financial Services to lead financial aid and student accounts at a higher education institution in Chicopee, MA.

This strategic, compliance-minded leader will balance regulatory oversight, financial accountability, and team development while keeping students' needs at the forefront. The role emphasizes operational excellence and data-driven decision making.