Associate Director, Financial Aid Systems

CSU Careers • Long Beach, CA

8h

About The Position

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives. As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer. Job Summary The Associate Director of Financial Aid Systems is responsible for overseeing the CMS (Oracle/Peoplesoft) Student Administration Financial Aid Module and the fiscal operations of a comprehensive student financial aid delivery system that administers more than $340 million annually. This role provides strategic leadership in the effective use of existing systems and the implementation of new technologies to ensure high-quality service delivery. The Associate Director leads process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, applies project management best practices to advance departmental objectives, and oversees required statistical, financial, and compliance reporting. Furthermore, the incumbent provides services that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to enhance the quality of campus life. This position uses a student-centered and equity-minded approach in all communication and service efforts.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate consistently delivers high‑quality service by anticipating and meeting the needs of both internal and external customers with professionalism, empathy, and a positive attitude.
• They demonstrate strong strategic thinking by seeing the big picture, setting priorities, and creating an environment that encourages innovation.
• They proactively identify opportunities for improvement, make well‑informed decisions, and apply creative problem‑solving skills by combining analysis, experience, and sound judgment.
• They also build strong teams by fostering trust, collaboration, and shared purpose while developing others through coaching, mentorship, and clear guidance.
• In addition, they are committed to continuous learning and staying current with industry developments and emerging practices to strengthen professional knowledge and service delivery.
• This candidate excels in organizing and monitoring workflow, prioritizing tasks under heavy workloads, and ensuring accuracy and compliance in all processes.
• They possess strong technical expertise, including proficiency with online student information systems (such as PeopleSoft), imaging systems, and financial aid processing, verification, and program administration.
• They effectively analyze user needs, develop detailed specifications, and design or maintain complex business rules and data structures while safeguarding data integrity through approved processes and testing procedures.
• With strong interpersonal and written communication skills, they maintain cooperative working relationships and uphold service values that emphasize dignity, respect, fairness, and alignment with the institution’s mission.
• They also ensure operational continuity by maintaining clear documentation of roles, responsibilities, strategic activities, and outcomes, supporting both transparency and organizational excellence.
• Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
• Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field (education, business, social sciences) and a minimum of three years of related experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of related experience is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the PeopleSoft Student Administration Financial Aid Module, including the development, optimization, and implementation of automated processes and technologies to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of financial aid to students during critical processing periods throughout the academic year.
• Manage the financial aid systems team, ensuring effective coordination, planning, and oversight of workflows to support accurate system configuration and annual processing activities.
• Identify and recommend enhancements to operational practices and promote ongoing staff professional development.
• Manage and coordinate required financial aid data reporting activities in compliance with federal, state, and system-wide requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage : A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to suit your needs.
• Retirement Plans : Participation in CalPERS defined benefit plan and access to voluntary savings plans like 403(b), 401(k), and 457.
• Educational Benefits : Tuition fee waivers for employees and eligible dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) : Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Perks : Access to wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and various insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level