Manager, Financial Aid

University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

1d•$4,278 - $6,009•Onsite

About The Position

The UNM Student Financial Aid Office seeks an experienced and student-focused professional to serve as the Financial Aid Manager for the Federal Aid Processing team of the department. This position oversees the administration, compliance, and operational effectiveness of federal, state, institutional, and other financial aid programs while leading a team of Financial Aid Officers responsible for delivering timely and accurate financial aid services. The Financial Aid Manager serves as a subject matter expert on Title IV regulations, provides leadership for financial aid processing operations and compliance activities, and collaborates with campus partners to support student access, retention, and success. The ideal candidate will combine strong regulatory knowledge, operational expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement in a dynamic higher education environment.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
Strong leadership and team development skills.
Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
Proficiency with data analysis, reporting, and operational performance management.
Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of federal student aid programs, Title IV regulations, and compliance requirements.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Experience using student information systems, financial aid management systems, and reporting tools.
Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into operational procedures.
Experience supervising, mentoring, training, or leading staff.
Experience managing financial aid processing operations, verification, awarding, and compliance monitoring.
Experience with Ellucian Banner, COD, CPS/FPS, OnBase, and other financial aid technology platforms.
Demonstrated expertise in identifying and resolving complex compliance issues and assessing regulatory risks.
Strong presentation and project management skills.
Experience working in a large, complex higher education environment.
Commitment to serving diverse student populations and promoting student success.
Ability to lead teams through organizational, regulatory, and technological change.
Ability to effectively communicate with students, families, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Supervise, mentor, train, and evaluate financial aid processing staff.
Manage daily financial aid processing operations, including verification, awarding, eligibility reviews, and compliance monitoring.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and Title IV regulations.
Monitor regulatory changes and implement operational and policy updates as needed.
Oversee compliance activities such as overpayment resolution, Pell LEU monitoring, and federal loan aggregate limit tracking.
Analyze processes and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and student service.
Support audits, program reviews, and compliance assessments.
Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Scholarships, Student Employment, Student Accounts, Registrar, and other campus partners.
Present financial aid information at workshops, orientations, and outreach events.
Serve as a resource for complex financial aid inquiries and regulatory guidance.