Associate Director, Financial Services

Academy of Art University•Bentonville, AR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Academy of Art University is seeking a strategic and people-focused Associate Director of Financial Services to lead a vital part of the student experience—helping students successfully navigate how to fund their education. This role goes beyond operations. You’ll shape how students access financial resources, lead a high-performing team, and collaborate across departments to ensure a seamless, supportive journey from enrollment through graduation.

Requirements

A strong background in Financial Aid or Student Financial Services
Proven leadership skills with the ability to delegate effectively and develop team members
A thoughtful, hands-on management style—you invest time in your leaders and help them grow
Experience building and using metrics to improve performance and service delivery
A collaborative mindset and the ability to work across departments

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Student Financial Services team, including hiring, coaching, and performance management
Oversee all aspects of student financial support, including Financial Aid, Veteran Affairs, alternative loans, international payments, and cash payments
Build and track meaningful production, quality, and customer service metrics to drive team success
Partner closely with Admissions to support incoming students and ensure a smooth onboarding experience
Collaborate with Student Services to meet the ongoing needs of continuing students
Work cross-functionally with IT to enhance systems and improve team efficiency
Contribute to the Student Services Committee to align financial services with the academic mission
Foster strong collaboration across departments to create a cohesive, student-centered experience
Develop and monitor KPIs to ensure timely, accurate communication with prospective and current students
Partner with CMD to maintain high-quality service standards