Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and oversight of the college’s financial aid and scholarship programs. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting the institution’s enrollment and retention goals. The Executive Director will serve as the Financial Aid office’s primary internal and external liaison, design and implement robust training for staff, and develop policies and strategies that enhance student access, affordability, and success while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Leadership and Administration

• Develop and implement a comprehensive financial aid strategy aligned with the college’s mission and enrollment goals.

• Provide vision and leadership to the financial aid team, ensuring high standards of service and efficiency.

• Manage institutional, federal, and state financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all regulations.

• Oversee the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and systems to optimize aid distribution and student support.

Financial Aid Operations and Compliance

• Administer and monitor financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.

• Ensure compliance with all Title IV, state, and institutional regulations.

• Prepare and submit all required federal and state financial aid reports.

• Conduct regular audits and assessments to improve financial aid processes and maintain compliance.

Enrollment and Student Success Collaboration

• Partner with Enrollment Management, Admissions, and Student Success teams to develop financial aid strategies that support recruitment and retention.

• Develop data-driven financial aid models to support institutional enrollment objectives.

• Provide financial literacy programming to educate students and families about aid options, budgeting, and loan management.

Scholarship Program Management

• Oversee the administration of institutional and endowed scholarships.

• Collaborate with Advancement and Alumni Relations to support donor stewardship efforts related to scholarships.

• Ensure equitable and strategic distribution of scholarship funds to maximize student support.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor financial aid staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Provide professional development opportunities and training for staff to stay informed of best practices and regulatory changes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in higher education administration, business or closely related field.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, preferably in a liberal arts college setting.

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Strong leadership, management, and supervisory experience with the ability to foster a positive team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic financial aid policies that align with institutional goals.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to providing exceptional student service.

• Experience in financial aid leveraging strategies to support institutional enrollment objectives preferred.

• Familiarity with scholarship fundraising and donor stewardship processes preferred.

• Experience working with diverse student populations and a commitment to equity and access in higher education preferred.

• Must be proficient in financial aid management systems (e.g., Banner, PowerFAIDS, or similar) and strong data analysis skills.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, utilizing Outlook, Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to make sound judgments and think critically about issues that arise.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse populations of students.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent customer service skills; strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with little direction.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work; attention to detail.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling some of the time. Requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work environment risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Review of applications will begin March 5, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
• Interested candidates should complete an online application using this link: https://www.columbiasc.edu/about/employment and upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

EOE M/F/D/V