Director of Financial Aid

Category: : Professional
Subscribe: :
Department: : Financial Aid
Locations: : Binghamton, NY
Posted: : Aug 26, 2025
Closes: : Open Until Filled
Type: : Full-time
Ref. No.: : 00054
Position ID: :

About Binghamton University:

Binghamton University is a premier public R1 research institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system that unites more than 130 broadly interdisciplinary educational programs with some of the most vibrant research in the nation. Our unique character - shaped by our mission, outstanding academics, facilities, and community life - promotes extraordinary student success, research, and service; Binghamton University is where our students, faculty and staff thrive.

Working at Binghamton University is more than about having a great job - it is about having the opportunity to flourish in an exciting, engaging environment. Our faculty and staff appreciate Binghamton's collegial and inclusive culture and its commitment to excellence, education, innovation and civic engagement. Our diverse campus community contributes to our success.

Binghamton merges rigorous academics, distinguished faculty who value cutting-edge, and community-engaged research, teaching and service, exceptional staff, and ultramodern facilities to engage and challenge its 18,000+ students. Our high-achieving student body represents diverse experiences from first-generation college-goers to international students. Beyond their talent, these classmates share a desire to shape the future through technology, insight, intellectual exploration, and community service.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and in keeping with this commitment, we welcome all to apply, including veterans and persons with disabilities.

Job Description:

Budget Title: Director of Financial Aid (SL-5)

Salary: $150,000 - $175,000

Binghamton University, one of four research universities in the State University of New York System, seeks an experienced, forward thinking and highly motivated professional to serve as the next Director of Financial Aid. Reporting directly to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the Director of Financial Aid is responsible for leading and managing the financial aid operations to ensure the institution meets its enrollment and retention goals while adhering to federal, state, and institutional policies. This individual oversees the distribution of financial aid funds, ensures regulatory compliance, and strategically advises the institution on the impact of financial aid policies on student success.

The Director serves as a key member of the enrollment management team and works collaboratively with admissions, registrar, bursar, and other student services to enhance access, affordability, and student success.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Strategy

• Lead and supervise the financial aid team consisting of 4 direct reports and total team of 9, fostering a collaborative, student-centered, and results-oriented environment.
• Develop, implement, and manage a strategic financial aid plan that supports institutional goals for enrollment, retention, and access:
  • Comprehensive Scholarship and Aid Strategy: Work closely with the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management and other institutional leaders to create and manage a comprehensive scholarship and financial aid strategy that aligns with the institution's mission and strategic objectives. This plan should be designed to enhance affordability for students and support the institution's enrollment and retention targets.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data analytics to assess the effectiveness of current financial aid packages, adjusting aid formulas and award structures to ensure optimal resource allocation. Conduct regular analyses of student demographics, need profiles, yield rates, and retention trends to inform aid distribution strategies. Leverage predictive modeling to identify the potential impact of various financial aid approaches on enrollment patterns and student success.
  • Maximizing Financial Aid Resources: Ensure that available institutional, state, and federal funds are used in a way that maximizes both the recruitment of new students and the retention of current students. This includes maintaining a balance between merit-based and need-based aid, as well as ensuring compliance with state and federal funding requirements while preserving flexibility in institutional aid packaging.
  • Equity and Access: Develop policies that ensure financial aid programs are equitable. The plan should include targeted aid initiatives that reduce financial barriers and foster an inclusive campus environment.
  • Affordability Messaging: Collaborate with marketing, admissions, and student support teams to create transparent messaging about the institution's affordability and financial aid offerings. This includes ensuring that prospective students and families understand the true cost of attendance after aid, which helps reduce "sticker shock" and positively impacts enrollment decisions.
  • Retention through Financial Aid: Design financial aid packages with a multi-year perspective, considering not only the initial award year but also how aid is structured to support retention and completion. Implement policies for reviewing and adjusting aid packages for returning students based on changes in family circumstances, academic performance, or other criteria that impact their financial need.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the strategic financial aid plan to respond to shifts in federal and state aid programs, changing demographics, and institutional priorities. Stay informed of trends in higher education, including tuition pricing models, discount rates, and emerging financial aid strategies, to ensure the institution remains competitive and accessible.

Financial Aid Administration

• Oversee the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study funds.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of financial aid applications, awards, disbursements, and reconciliation of funds.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, conducting periodic audits and reviews.
• Maintain a high level of customer service by addressing student and parent inquiries and concerns regarding financial aid packages.
• Collaborate with the Bursar to ensure timely tuition billing and financial aid disbursement.

Compliance & Reporting

• Stay informed of changes in federal and state regulations and implement changes to maintain compliance.
• Prepare and submit all required reports, including the annual FISAP (Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate), IPEDS data, and others as needed.
• Lead the institution's participation in audits and program reviews conducted by federal, state, or independent auditors.
• Maintain accurate records and systems for reporting and auditing purposes.

Financial Aid Counseling

• Develop and implement financial aid counseling programs to educate students and families on managing student debt and financial planning.
• Counsel students and families on financial aid processes, policies, and options to enhance understanding and satisfaction.
• Work with students on appeals, special circumstances, and professional judgment cases to ensure equitable aid decisions.

Technology & Systems

• Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of financial aid systems (e.g., Banner and online portals.
• Lead efforts to utilize technology to streamline processes, improve communication, and enhance user experience.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure data integrity, security, and seamless integration with other systems.

Please see the full posting here:

The next Director of Financial Aid will be excited about making an impact on an institution and enrollment program with an impressive list of achievements. The successful candidate will be an experienced financial aid leader who provides vision and direction for a dedicated and student-focused financial aid unit. They must demonstrate substantial financial aid experience successfully developing, implementing, and evaluating financial aid leveraging strategy based on synergy across enrollment functions. Experience with appropriate information technology and the ability to use sophisticated data analysis to inform strategic decisions is critical.

Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, with at least three (3) years in a leadership role
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV programs
• Experience with financial aid management systems (e.g., Banner) and leveraging technology to improve processes

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to foster a collaborative and positive work environment
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and equity
• Ability to manage complex budgets and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a public institution, especially in a mid-size or highly ranked university setting
• Active involvement in professional financial aid associations and continuing education on policy updates

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Additional Information:

Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials.

Binghamton University is a tobacco-free campus.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at or via email at

Payroll information can be found on our website

Cover letters may be addressed "To the Search Committee."

Postings active on the website, accept applications until closure.

For information on the Dual Career Program, please visit:

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
The State University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the policy of Binghamton University to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

As required by Title IX and its implementing regulations Binghamton University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs and activities which it operates. This requirement extends to employment and admission. Inquiries about sex discrimination may be directed to the University Title IX Coordinator or directly to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and OCR, as well as the University's complete Non-Discrimination Notice may be found here .

Binghamton University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator by completing the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form .

Application Instructions:

All applicants must apply via Interview Exchange:

Deadline for Internal Applicants:

Deadline for External Applicants: Open until filled

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the vacancy is filled.

Please submit:

1. Resume,
2. Cover letter, and
3. Contact information for three professional references

You may add additional files/documents after uploading your resume. After you fill out your contact information, you will be directed to the upload page. Please login to check/edit your profile or to upload additional documents: .

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