What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Financial Aid position at Doane University?
Position Title
Director of Financial Aid
Job Type
Full Time - 12 months
Department
Enrollment Management
Job Location
Crete, NE (68333)
Position Summary
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for helping students access higher education? Doane University is accepting applications for a Director of Financial Aid to provide leadership in administering financial aid programs, ensuring compliance, and supporting student enrollment efforts.
The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the overall administration, direction, and supervision of the Financial Aid Office. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, the Director oversees the management of student financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. This role also establishes financial aid policies and provides strategic direction for the efficient and equitable distribution of financial aid funds.
The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the overall administration, direction, and supervision of the Financial Aid Office. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, the Director oversees the management of student financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and scholarships, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. This role also establishes financial aid policies and provides strategic direction for the efficient and equitable distribution of financial aid funds.
In collaboration with the Vice President of Enrollment, the Director plays a key role in supporting efforts to increase student enrollment across all programs—traditional undergraduate, non-traditional undergraduate, and graduate. The Director is responsible for providing leadership, training, and professional development opportunities for the Financial Aid staff, and is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring high-quality support for students and families navigating financial aid options.
Key responsibilities include overseeing the student employment process and federal work-study program, managing budgets, establishing cost of attendance figures, and preparing reports for federal and state agencies, audits, and institutional use. The Director ensures proper reconciliation of federal grant funds with the U.S. Department of Education and Student Accounts, contributing to a student-centered, efficient, and compliant financial aid operation.
View the full position description here
Doane University actively works to create and sustain a welcoming learning community for all members to fulfill their potential, feel valued, and make meaningful contributions to the University. Doane University is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks candidates who reflect the diversity of our society. Following USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Doane is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas
View the full position description here
Doane University actively works to create and sustain a welcoming learning community for all members to fulfill their potential, feel valued, and make meaningful contributions to the University. Doane University is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks candidates who reflect the diversity of our society. Following USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Doane is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas
FLSA
Salaried (Exempt)
Salary
Commensurate with experience, with a starting salary of $80,000
Minimum Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field with:
- 5 years of experience in financial aid in higher education or a similar role demonstrating progressive responsibility and expertise in administering financial aid programs.
- 5 years of managerial or supervisory experience with experience in department and division cross-functional collaboration
Experience must demonstrate:
- Comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and reporting requirements.
- Proven ability to lead and manage a team, with leadership, coaching, and staff development skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies, using data and analysis to make informed, strategic decisions for the university.
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, analyze financial data, and make data-driven decisions.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial aid information to diverse audiences, including students, parents, and faculty.
- Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to maintain positive, professional relationships and handle sensitive situations with discretion.
- Proficiency in financial aid software, such as Ellucian/Colleague, and MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Essential technical skills required:
- Expertise in using Ellucian/Colleague or similar financial aid software.
- Familiarity with federal, state, and institutional financial aid reporting and compliance requirements.
- Ability to interpret complex data and regulations to make strategic decisions.
- Experience in cross-functional collaboration with enrollment management and other departments.
- SQL and Data Analysis: Proficiency in SQL is crucial for querying and analyzing financial aid data effectively.
- API and System Integration: Skills in integrating systems, particularly connecting the Student Information System (SIS) with government and third-party aid platforms, are essential.
- Automation Tools: Knowledge of scripting and workflow automation tools can enhance efficiency and streamline processes.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field with:
- 8 years of experience in the administration of financial aid programs at a higher education institution.
- Proven track record of leading financial aid offices and teams, including the ability to oversee large, complex operations and adapt to changes in regulations and institutional goals.
- Previous involvement in strategic planning for institutional enrollment goals, particularly concerning financial aid’s role in attracting and supporting a diverse student body.
- Experience in budget management and cost analysis for financial aid programs, with a focus on optimizing the allocation of resources and aligning the budget with institutional priorities.
- A Financial Aid Director with technical expertise in Student Information Systems (SIS) is critical in managing and optimizing financial aid operations within an educational institution. Their responsibilities blend financial aid administration with technology management, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and student support.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Preferred Licenses/Certifications
Physical/Environmental/Working Conditions
Working Conditions
Periodic travel is required between the Crete and Lincoln campus.
Travel Required
Yes
Physical Requirements
Sedentary work
Outdoor Exposure
Primarily exposed to indoor elements
Background Check Required
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
STF129
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
03/04/2025
Review Start Date
03/19/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
We offer competitive paid time off, benefits packages, and professional development opportunities. To support our employees’ educational goals, we offer free tuition for undergraduate programs and discounted tuition for graduate programs at Doane.
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://doane.peopleadmin.com/postings/2137
Salary : $80,000
