Director-Financial Aid

Excelsior•Albany, NY

2d•$75,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid is a leader responsible for the strategic management, regulatory compliance, and operational execution of all federal, state, and institutional student aid programs. As the Director, this individual guides the university’s financial aid philosophy and ensures that aid resources are deployed in a manner that supports access, affordability, student retention, and institutional enrollment objectives. This role oversees a complex portfolio of responsibilities that span policy interpretation and deployment, process design, systems optimization, staff leadership, student service delivery, and crossâdepartmental collaboration. The Director ensures that all Title IV and state regulations are adhered to without exception, serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors, and provides strategic insight to senior leadership regarding the impact of regulatory changes, emerging trends, and institutional risk. Beyond operational oversight, the Director serves as a strategic partner to Finance, Student Accounts, Admissions, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, ensuring that financial aid strategy aligns with institutional goals. This includes modeling award strategies, analyzing aid leverage points, communicating complex regulatory changes, and maintaining a comprehensive compliance framework. The Director also plays a central role in maintaining the university’s financial stability by safeguarding Title IV participation, institutional eligibility, and public trust. We believe work should fit your life, not the other way around. Our hybrid schedule includes two days on site in our Albany office, with the flexibility to work remotely the remaining days. Spend less time commuting and more time focusing on meaningful work or personal priorities. Core hours are 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, including a 1-hour lunch, for a 37.5-hour week

Requirements

This position requires a bachelors degree and a minimum of 5 years experience in a financial aid office.
Candidate must demonstrate expertise in student financial aid regulations, financial aid system management, and leadership.
Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills are essential.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will have experience with PowerFAIDS financial aid management software, and demonstrates an interest in promoting distance learning higher education to a diverse adult student population.

Responsibilities

Administer all Title IV aid programs, including awarding, verification, disbursement, and reconciliation.
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
Develop, maintain, and update policies, procedures, forms, and publications related to financial aid programs.
Serve as the institution’s subject-matter expert on Title IV regulations, providing guidance across campus.
Oversee all financial aid systems (PowerFAIDS, COD, NSLDS, EDConnect) and lead improvements to system functionality.
Collaborate with IT and campus partners to maintain system integrations, data accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Manage data collection, analysis, and reporting for federal, state, and institutional requirements.
Lead preparation for annual federal/Title IV audits and respond to audit findings or program review actions.
Supervise and develop financial aid staff, fostering professional growth and accountability.
Contribute to strategic planning and process improvement initiatives within Student Financial Services.
Provide leadership on student financial support strategies that promote retention and timely graduation.
Oversee delivery of high-quality customer service to students and families, resolving complex cases and appeals.
Present financial aid information to university stakeholders and represent the institution at professional events.
Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Student Accounts, Registrar, and other partners to support university goals.
Perform other responsibilities as needed to support the mission of the financial aid office and student success.