Director of Financial Aid Operations

Muhlenberg College•Allentown, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Director of Financial Aid Operations is a senior leader who provides strategic management of the financial aid operational functions. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. The Director of Financial Aid Operations collaborates closely with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Admissions staff, and the Vice President for Enrollment to develop, implement, and evaluate financial aid strategies that support the College's enrollment, retention, and student success goals. The position also provides leadership, training, and supervision to financial aid staff while promoting exceptional service to students and families. This position is responsible for strategic leadership and operational oversight for the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, accurate aid awarding and reconciliation, effective management of specialized aid initiatives, maintenance of PowerFaids and WorkDay financial aid systems, and timely completion of all required federal, state, institutional, and NCAA reporting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
Three to Five years of progressive financial aid or related professional finance experience.
Experience working effectively and supporting inclusion within a diverse community.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with students, parents, high school counselors, fellow employees, college administrators, and other College constituents.
Strong presentation skills to comfortably and effectively speak and present before groups of students and parents.
Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, Financial Aid software/platforms/technology
Successful completion of satisfactory background checks, including but not limited to child abuse clearance, education, and criminal background required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of PowerFaids, EDConnect, Workday and Slate are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies.
Determine student eligibility for financial assistance and oversee the accurate awarding and disbursement of financial aid funds.
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations to minimize audit findings and maintain institutional eligibility for financial aid programs.
Oversee administration of specialized aid programs, including Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) initiatives such as Ready to Succeed Scholarships, PATH, National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP), Summer State Grants.
Process Federal Pell Grants and Federal Educational Loans via EDConnect
Student Aid Monthly Reconciliation
Annual Federal Student Employment reporting
FAFSA processing via EDConnect
NCAA III Annual reporting
Annual student loan cumulative borrowing reporting including PA Act 69 additions
Monitor and administer the College's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, including annual review of students' qualitative and quantitative academic performance.
Maintaining the Financial Aid system in Workday
Monitor changes in federal and state financial aid regulations and implement necessary procedural and policy updates.
Utilize professional resources, including NASFAA, PASFAA, Federal Student Aid, and PHEAA, to remain current on regulatory developments.
Ensure proper handling of confidential student and family information in compliance with FERPA and other applicable privacy regulations.
Manage resolution of compliance-related matters and support institutional audit and program review activities.
Develop and implement financial aid operational strategies that support institutional enrollment and retention objectives.
Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid and Vice President for Enrollment to establish strategic priorities related to customer service, communication, financial aid awarding, and policy development.
Develop annual budget recommendations for institutional grant aid, federal funding allocations, and student employment programs.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and regulatory compliance through process improvements and technology enhancements.
Coordinate annual financial aid calendars, policies, procedures, and operational workflows.
Lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Scholarships and Financial Aid staff.
Develop and deliver training programs to ensure staff maintain expertise in financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices.
Oversee staff responsible for FAFSA review, verification, awarding, loan certification, grant processing, and reconciliation activities.
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented environment focused on student success and operational excellence.
Counsel prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, eligibility requirements, and financing options.
Present financial aid information at on-campus programs, recruitment events, and high school visits.
Develop and manage communication and outreach strategies designed to educate students and families throughout the financial aid process.
Partner with Enrollment, Admissions, Student Accounts, Registrar, Graduate and Continuing Education, and other campus stakeholders to support institutional goals and enhance student service.
Collaborate with Student Accounts to resolve processing issues and ensure accurate account reconciliation.
Work with Graduate and Continuing Education leadership to develop enrollment-supportive financial aid strategies and scholarship opportunities.
Represent Muhlenberg College at professional conferences, workshops, and association meetings.
Participate in professional development activities to maintain expertise in financial aid administration and regulatory compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

generous holidays (including 3 days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day)
vacation (22 days per year)
sick leave
paid parental leave
tuition programs at the undergraduate and graduate level
medical, dental and vision coverage
flexible spending plans
College-provided short-term disability
life insurance
retirement