Kansas State University - Director of Student Financial Assistance

Academic Career & Executive Search•Manhattan, KS

About The Position

Kansas State University is seeking a Director of Student Financial Assistance to lead its Office of Student Financial Assistance (OFSA), a critical student-facing operation overseeing more than $90 million in annual financial aid. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the Director will set strategic priorities, guide resource allocation, develop a high-performing team of approximately 20 professionals, and drive operational improvements. The role supports the university’s strategic priorities for educational access, enrollment growth, and student success. As the University's chief financial aid administrator, the Director oversees financial aid operations, compliance and reporting, and scholarships, including partnerships with the K-State Foundation and academic colleges. The Director works with deans, advancement leaders, academic colleges, and administrative partners to align financial aid and scholarship strategies with institutional goals for recruitment, enrollment, affordability, access, and retention. The position calls for an engaged, hands-on leader who communicates complex information clearly, supports staff development and accountability, and provides responsive service to students and families.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Five years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated time management and priority-setting skills.
Advanced critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, good judgment, and decision-making ability.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to initiate and maintain internal and external relationships.
Strong professional integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues and campus partners.
Ability to use general office software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite products.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in higher education, public administration, business, or a related discipline.
Expert-level knowledge of campus and federal software systems used to process financial aid.
Demonstrated use of data, project management, resource optimization, and current industry technology to meet departmental goals and responsibilities.
Strong leadership and management skills, including training, coaching, evaluating, and fostering service excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management, including analyzing and interpreting financial information and preparing financial aid reports and analyses.
Knowledge of student recruitment and retention techniques using financial aid and scholarship leveraging and predictive enrollment modeling.
Working knowledge of an integrated CRM; Slate is preferred.
Knowledge of strategic enrollment management planning.

Responsibilities

Provide vision, strategic leadership, and day-to-day oversight for all functions of the Office of Student Financial Assistance, ensuring strong service delivery, process efficiency, and institutional compliance.
Lead annual and long-range planning for financial aid operations in alignment with institutional priorities and enrollment goals.
Partner with deans, advancement leaders, and university executives on strategic aid investments that expand access and support student success.
Ensure compliance with federal Title IV, state, NCAA, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.
Evaluate financial aid programs and awarding strategies in relation to enrollment, affordability, access, and student success priorities.
Lead technology and process innovation, including automation, CRM and data integration, and student self-service capabilities.
Administer and reconcile annual financial aid budgets totaling more than $90 million, including institutional, state, federal, and donor-directed funds.
Mentor staff, conduct performance evaluations, and plan professional development to encourage growth and retention.
Foster a collaborative staff environment that prioritizes engagement, customer service, and high-impact service delivery.
Ensure students and families receive clear, timely, and accurate information about financial aid opportunities and responsibilities.
Develop and monitor key performance indicators and metrics for operations, service delivery, resource utilization, and student outcomes.
Lead continuous improvement through analysis of processes, outcomes, service metrics, and stakeholder feedback.