Director, Financial Aid, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid is a key member of the Johnson Graduate School of Management’s Student Services team. This team includes dedicated staff who support Johnson’s diverse, world-class students with specialized knowledge, insights, and guidance regarding financial aid application processes, aid offers, college financing options, and other student financial services. Members of the Johnson Financial Aid team also have an in-depth understanding of core student service lifecycle concepts such as admissions, registration and records, and student accounts. The Director will lead strategic planning and annual goal setting for the Johnson Financial Aid Office, serve as a subject matter expert for Johnson-funded financial aid programs and policies, advise prospective and current students on financial aid, budgeting, and debt management, determine eligibility and prepare compliant, accurate financial aid offers, and oversee the awarding of endowed and annual scholarships. The role also involves reviewing FAFSA data, SAP, NSLDS records, and certifying private education loans, managing financial aid communications, documentation, and website content, conducting financial aid presentations and counseling sessions, generating financial aid reports, and representing Johnson at professional meetings. The Director will coordinate closely with FASE and ensure regulatory compliance. Every member of the community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience within a student financial aid office, or equivalent combination.
• Knowledge of financial aid software systems, federal aid regulations, or institutional need analysis concepts.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Education websites such as NSLDS, COD, and FSA Partner Connect.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and advising skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Able to manage deadline-oriented projects.
• Able to work well with all levels of employees.
• Flexible in nature.
• Sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• Passion for excellent customer service.
• Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
• Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Two or more years of successful experience leading a team, major program, or complex process within a student financial aid office or related student services function.
• Knowledge of federal and private loan programs is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of U.S. Veterans Affairs education benefits is strongly preferred.
• Experience using PeopleSoft, Salesforce, or ImageNow.
• Fluency in English and a second language.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and annual goal setting for the Johnson Financial Aid Office
• Serve as subject matter expert for Johnson-funded financial aid programs and policies
• Advise prospective and current students on financial aid, budgeting, and debt management
• Determine eligibility and prepare compliant, accurate financial aid offers
• Oversee the awarding of endowed and annual scholarships
• Review FAFSA data, SAP, NSLDS records, and certify private education loans
• Manage financial aid communications, documentation, and website content
• Conduct financial aid presentations and counseling sessions
• Generate financial aid reports
• Represent Johnson at professional meetings
• Coordinate closely with FASE and ensure regulatory compliance
• Foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care options
• Generous retirement contributions
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Relocation assistance
• Three weeks of vacation
• 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Two additional floating holidays
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
• Tuition aid for external education
• Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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