Director of Financial Aid

Rider University•Lawrenceville, NJ

64d

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid serves as the institution's strategic and operational leader for student financial aid, ensuring access, equity, and responsible stewardship of all federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Rooted in the University's mission to expand opportunity and remove barriers to student success, the Director provides both compassionate student service and rigorous compliance, helping students and families confidently navigate the financial journey from admission through graduation. This position is responsible for the administration of all Title IV programs and serves as the institution's official Title IV Compliance Officer and Primary DPA with the U.S. Department of Education. The Director plays a leading role in supporting affordability, FAFSA completion initiatives, and institutional goals related to retention, persistence, and four-year graduation. This role is ideal for a mission-driven leader who believes financial aid is not just a transactional function - but a critical part of a student's path to belonging, persistence, and achievement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, with demonstrated expertise in Title IV compliance.
Proven ability to lead staff, implement policy, and operationalize compliance with a high degree of integrity and care.
Commitment to inclusion and belonging, access, affordability, and the student experience.
Satisfactory background and/or DMV checks required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with NJ TAG, EOF, and the New Jersey State Aid regulatory environment strongly preferred.
Knowledge of Banner, Slate, Navigate, or comparable SIS/CRM platforms strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of a student-centered financial aid operation grounded in access, affordability, and success.
Participate in strategic packaging discussions and net-tuition revenue modeling in partnership with Enrollment Management leadership.
Support institutional enrollment and retention goals through responsible awarding practices, proactive FAFSA engagement, and clear communication with students and families.
Oversee the administration and compliance of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including Pell, SEOG, Direct Loans, TEACH, Federal Work Study, NJ TAG, EOF, VA benefits, and institutional scholarships.
Serve as the institution's official Title IV Compliance Officer and Primary DPA and ensure readiness for federal and state audits, reconciliations, program reviews, and reporting.
Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and regulatory controls that meet all federal, state, and institutional requirements.
Monitor regulatory changes, interpret guidance, and lead institutional training on financial aid policy implications.
Partner closely within a One Stop student services environment - collaborating with Student Accounts, Billing, Registrar and Residence Life, providing a comprehensive counseling approach to ensure seamless, student-first service delivery.
Lead FAFSA education, outreach, and communication strategies that reflect empathy, clarity, and transparency.
Supervise a core team of approximately 6 financial aid professionals, with partnership support from technical staff and One Stop personnel.
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and mission-driven service.
Leverage Slate (CRM), Banner (SIS), and EAB Navigate or comparable systems to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and student communication.