Director Financial Aid

Universal Technical Institute•Long Beach, CA

1d•$120,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Now offering a SIGN-ON BONUS for an Experienced Financial Aid Director. Help students fund their future – and be rewarded for your leadership. This high-impact priority role is part of our continued commitment to student success and operational excellence. About Universal Technical Institute Universal Technical Institute (UTI) equips students with the hands-on training and industry-ready skills needed for successful technical careers. With decades of experience and a commitment to student success, we support learners through every step of their educational journey — starting with expert guidance on financial aid. As part of our team, you’ll help shape the future of career-focused education. Why This Role Matters Are you passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals? As a Director of Financial Aid, you will lead and manage the Financial Aid office, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, all while delivering an outstanding student experience. You’ll build, coach and mentor a talented team and collaborate across campus to support access, retention, and student success. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and experienced leader who can inspire and motivate a team to achieve exceptional results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field.
Extensive experience (10 year minimum) in post-secondary financial aid, including leadership of teams and Title IV administration.
Strong understanding of federal/state aid programs and compliance requirements.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or advanced professional credentials (e.g., Title IV-related certifications, NASFAA credentials).
Minimum five (5) years of supervisory/leadership experience in financial aid operations
Minimum five (5) years’ experience administering Title IV financial aid programs
Proven track record of process improvement and cross-department collaboration.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the financial aid team, fostering a high-performing, student-focused culture.
Oversee all financial aid operations to ensure efficiency and compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
Build and implement strategic processes that increase accuracy and operational excellence.
Guide students and families through financial aid options including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study.
Promote financial literacy and make the aid process transparent and supportive.
Ensure 100% compliance with Title IV and other federal/state regulations.
Work closely with Admissions, Student Services, Registrar, and leadership to align financial aid with enrollment and student success goals.
Monitor trends, analyze data, and lead continuous improvements.