Sr. Director, Financial Aid

Webster University•Saint Louis, MO

67d

About The Position

The Sr. Director for Financial Aid serves as a senior leader and hands-on operational leader for Webster's financial aid programs, responsible for administering more than $80 million in federal, state, and institutional funding. The Sr. Director works closely with Enrollment Management leaders to shape long-term financial aid strategies that align with enrollment objectives, ensuring compliance with complex federal and state regulations, and leads a team of professionals dedicated to service excellence. The Sr. Director is a visible campus leader, engaging with senior administration, faculty, and staff to communicate the critical role of financial aid in the student experience and university mission. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services.

Requirements

Master's Degree, Substitute experience with Bachelor's Degree
Eight years of experience in Financial Aid, Scholarships, and/or Enrollment Management with 5 years of progressively responsible management, supervisory, leadership, administrative and/or experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, including Title IV regulations, needs analysis, and compliance.
Deep expertise in SIS Systems, COD, and NSLDS; proven track record in compliance and operational oversight.
Expertise in financial aid systems and technologies (Banner, Jenzabar, Salesforce, PowerFAIDS) and proficiency in data management and reporting.
Experience managing financial aid audits, budgets, and large-scale disbursement processes.
Proven ability to link budgetary decisions to enrollment outcomes and institutional goals.
Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills with creative mindset to enhance models and processes.
Models constructive conflict resolution.
Exceptional communication, diplomacy, and relationship management skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, adaptive environment.
Commitment to student advocacy, equity, and service excellence.

Responsibilities

Responsible for leading, supervising and mentoring full-time and part-time staff including all hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, professional development, and training.
Direct daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring efficient and compliant awarding and disbursement of funds.
Develop, implement, and assess a comprehensive financial aid strategy that supports institutional enrollment and retention goals.
Partner with Enrollment Management leadership team to design aid packages and policies that are competitive, compliant, and student-center.
Leverage data analytics and predictive modeling to information financial aid strategies and measure the impact of aid on recruitment, yield, and student success
Serve as advisor to university leadership on financial aid trends, emerging regulations and best practices in student financing.
Ensure robust systems of internal controls and audit readiness for all financial aid processes, disclosures, and reports.
Lead the development of policies and procedures that maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Manage the certification of loans and loan eligibility, oversee returns and adjustments, and maintain accuracy across aid processing.
Evaluate processes regularly to streamline workflow, integrate new technologies, and improve the student and staff experience.
Ensure strict adherence to Title IV, loan regulations, maintain institution eligibility and good standing with federal agencies.
Oversee financial aid reporting, audits, and compliance reviews, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and transparency.
Interpret and communicate changes in federal and state legislation, proactively adjusting institutional policies and operations as needed.
Administer departmental budgets, manage revenue and expenses, and ensure the financial viability of programs.
Administer and reconcile more than $80 million in federal, state, institutional, and private funds, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
Lead initiatives to improve financial literacy (including debt management), advising, and outreach for students and families, including participation in orientation, admissions events, counseling sessions, and workshops.
Actively engage with students and families by providing counseling, presentations, and workshops on aid eligibility, borrowing, repayment, budgeting, and financial wellness.
Oversee appeals and exceptional cases, ensuring fair, consistent, and student-focused resolution processes.
Advocate for positive student experiences while balancing compliance, fiscal stewardship, and institutional priorities.
Promote a culture of equity, accessibility, and service within all financial aid operations
Build and sustain collaborative relationships across key campus offices, including Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, Deans, and Student Services.
Act as the University's subject matter expert on financial aid policy, compliance, and strategy.
Represent the University at national and regional professional associations, enhancing institutional visibility and staying informed on best practices.
Serve on University committees, contributing to discussions on student success, compliance, retention, and institutional planning.