Inside Higher Ed
Director of Financial Aid
– Howard University
We are seeking an innovative and collaborative Executive Director of Financial Aid to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Office of Financial Aid. The Executive Director will ensure the successful administration of all institutional, federal, state, local, and private financial aid and scholarship programs while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and donor restrictions. The role supports the University's enrollment, retention, and net tuition revenue goals through effective financial aid strategies.
Job Purpose The Executive Director serves as the University’s chief financial aid administrator for Title IV, Title VII, and institutional aid. Responsibilities include accurate and efficient financial aid processing, operations, and customer service, as well as strategic collaboration with Enrollment Management, Student Success, Development, Alumni Relations, and other university units.
Nature And Scope The Director promotes a student‑centered culture by educating students and families about college financing options, empowering informed decisions, and fostering staff professional development.
Supervisory Accountability General oversight of the Financial Aid Team.
Principal Accountabilities
Serve as University’s Chief Financial Aid Administrator for Title IV, Title VII, and Institutional Aid.
Monitor and analyze federal Title IV, Title VII, Title IX, NCAA, state, and institutional regulations to guide policy and procedural changes.
Collaborate with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to develop annual financial aid budgets, policies, and procedures.
Leverage institutional aid programs to support enrollment, net tuition revenue, and budgetary needs.
Serve as key administrator within Enrollment Management, collaborating to streamline the student enrollment experience.
Work with University leadership on all financial aid matters.
Review and submit the University’s annual Fiscal Operations Report and related compliance reports (FISAP, PPA, ECAR).
Act as primary contact for compliance and financial audits.
Conduct formal and ad‑hoc training for Financial Aid staff and cross‑functional teams.
Represent the University at internal and external events and respond to inquiries regarding service delivery, audits, and daily operations.
Handle final financial aid appeals from students.
Counsel students and parents on federal, state, and institutional aid programs and procedures.
Maintain accurate, documented financial aid records in compliance with all regulations.
Stay current with evolving regulations through research and professional development.
Supervise data integrity, compliance reporting, disbursement, reconciliation, and audit preparation.
Coordinate with the Bursar's Office on disbursement, billing, and account resolution.
Develop and maintain a student‑centric culture of customer service.
Provide outreach and education on financial literacy through workshops, digital content, and counseling.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Initiative, self‑direction, and performance goal attainment under tight deadlines.
Commitment to quality service for a socio‑economically diverse student population.
Innovative problem‑solving within a team environment.
Process orientation and multitasking in a fast‑paced setting.
Good judgment in difficult decision‑making.
Expert knowledge of financial aid legislation and reporting.
Experience with an automated financial system.
Computer proficiency, including standard office software.
Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
Confidentiality and meticulous attention to detail.
Strong communication and presentation abilities.
Customer‑service orientation.
Ability to maintain harmonious relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the public.
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree required.
10+ years progressively responsible supervisory experience in financial aid.
Strong understanding of admissions and financial aid processes and strategic enrollment optimization.
Experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives and financial literacy programming.
Leadership of a results‑oriented team of financial aid professionals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to present information to diverse constituencies, including senior leaders and public groups.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related technology.
Expert knowledge of financial aid modules in an ERP system.
Work Environment
In‑person, on Howard University main campus.
40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend and evening work as required.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Salary Range: $150,000 – $175,000
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Education and Training Online Audio and Video Media
#J-18808-Ljbffr
– Howard University
We are seeking an innovative and collaborative Executive Director of Financial Aid to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Office of Financial Aid. The Executive Director will ensure the successful administration of all institutional, federal, state, local, and private financial aid and scholarship programs while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and donor restrictions. The role supports the University's enrollment, retention, and net tuition revenue goals through effective financial aid strategies.
Job Purpose The Executive Director serves as the University’s chief financial aid administrator for Title IV, Title VII, and institutional aid. Responsibilities include accurate and efficient financial aid processing, operations, and customer service, as well as strategic collaboration with Enrollment Management, Student Success, Development, Alumni Relations, and other university units.
Nature And Scope The Director promotes a student‑centered culture by educating students and families about college financing options, empowering informed decisions, and fostering staff professional development.
Supervisory Accountability General oversight of the Financial Aid Team.
Principal Accountabilities
Serve as University’s Chief Financial Aid Administrator for Title IV, Title VII, and Institutional Aid.
Monitor and analyze federal Title IV, Title VII, Title IX, NCAA, state, and institutional regulations to guide policy and procedural changes.
Collaborate with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to develop annual financial aid budgets, policies, and procedures.
Leverage institutional aid programs to support enrollment, net tuition revenue, and budgetary needs.
Serve as key administrator within Enrollment Management, collaborating to streamline the student enrollment experience.
Work with University leadership on all financial aid matters.
Review and submit the University’s annual Fiscal Operations Report and related compliance reports (FISAP, PPA, ECAR).
Act as primary contact for compliance and financial audits.
Conduct formal and ad‑hoc training for Financial Aid staff and cross‑functional teams.
Represent the University at internal and external events and respond to inquiries regarding service delivery, audits, and daily operations.
Handle final financial aid appeals from students.
Counsel students and parents on federal, state, and institutional aid programs and procedures.
Maintain accurate, documented financial aid records in compliance with all regulations.
Stay current with evolving regulations through research and professional development.
Supervise data integrity, compliance reporting, disbursement, reconciliation, and audit preparation.
Coordinate with the Bursar's Office on disbursement, billing, and account resolution.
Develop and maintain a student‑centric culture of customer service.
Provide outreach and education on financial literacy through workshops, digital content, and counseling.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Initiative, self‑direction, and performance goal attainment under tight deadlines.
Commitment to quality service for a socio‑economically diverse student population.
Innovative problem‑solving within a team environment.
Process orientation and multitasking in a fast‑paced setting.
Good judgment in difficult decision‑making.
Expert knowledge of financial aid legislation and reporting.
Experience with an automated financial system.
Computer proficiency, including standard office software.
Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
Confidentiality and meticulous attention to detail.
Strong communication and presentation abilities.
Customer‑service orientation.
Ability to maintain harmonious relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the public.
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree required.
10+ years progressively responsible supervisory experience in financial aid.
Strong understanding of admissions and financial aid processes and strategic enrollment optimization.
Experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives and financial literacy programming.
Leadership of a results‑oriented team of financial aid professionals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to present information to diverse constituencies, including senior leaders and public groups.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related technology.
Expert knowledge of financial aid modules in an ERP system.
Work Environment
In‑person, on Howard University main campus.
40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend and evening work as required.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Salary Range: $150,000 – $175,000
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Education and Training Online Audio and Video Media
#J-18808-Ljbffr