Director of Financial Aid

Molloy College•Rockville Centre, NY

8d•$120,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management leadership team and is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the financial aid office. The Director is required to maintain a high-functioning, compliant, and efficient financial aid operation. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, student-first professional prepared to modernize our aid programs, leverage cutting-edge tools, and build a best-in-class financial aid operation that directly supports enrollment growth, student retention, and institutional sustainability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive financial aid experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role (Assistant Director, Associate Director, or Director)
Demonstrated knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, NY State aid programs (TAP, HESC), and compliance best practices.
Experience with PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, or comparable financial aid management and SIS platforms.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable enrollment and aid strategy.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial aid information clearly to diverse audiences.
Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced, student-focused environment.
Student-first mindset with a commitment to access, equity, and outstanding service.
Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business, or a related field.
7+ years of financial aid experience, including leadership at a private, non-profit institution.
Experience with Slate CRM and financial aid leveraging tools (e.g., RNL).
Familiarity with NY State financial aid programs and HESC reporting.
Track record of modernizing financial aid operations and implementing process improvements.
Experience working in enrollment management as part of a collaborative, data-driven leadership team.
Experience with NCAA Div. II Athletics and aid regulations.

Responsibilities

Oversee all core aid processes: FAFSA processing, verification, packaging, disbursement, SAP reviews, R2T4 calculations, and student counseling and appeals. This includes managing required federal and state reporting (FISAP, IPEDS, Common Data Set, TAP/NYS aid reconciliations) and coordinating audits with Finance and external auditors.
Serve as the institution's primary Title IV compliance officer; ensure adherence to all federal, New York State, and institutional regulations governing financial aid. Stay current with evolving federal and NY State aid regulations and proactively implement required changes; bringing a solutions-oriented mindset to complex regulatory challenges.
Partner with the VP for Enrollment Management and AVP for Admissions & Enrollment Technology, Marketing, Athletics, and Academic Affairs to develop and execute aid strategies that drive recruitment, yield, and retention. This requires designing and refining merit- and need-based packaging models that are competitive, equitable, and informed by market data and enrollment analytics.
Lead with and develop an office culture focusing on championing a student-first philosophy; ensuring that every interaction with the financial aid office is accessible, transparent, and empowering for students and families. The Director will lead, mentor, and develop a dedicated financial aid team; fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Director will set clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching, training, and professional development for the team.
Oversee all interfaces with Department of Education systems (COD, NSLDS, FAA Access) and NY State systems ensuring accurate and timely data integrity across all platforms and systems.