Director of Financial Aid
New Yesterday
Job Description
Position Summary
Wesleyan College seeks a dynamic, student-centered professional to serve as Director of Financial Aid. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid, the Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the College’s financial aid programs. The Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, developing policies and procedures that promote equitable access to financial resources, and leading a dedicated team in delivering exceptional service to students and families.
This position plays a critical role in the College’s enrollment and retention strategy, partnering closely with the offices of Finance, Admissions, Student Accounts, and Institutional Research to align financial aid strategies with institutional goals and fiscal integrity.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Provide strategic direction and daily oversight for all operations within the Office of Financial Aid.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate financial aid staff, including Financial Aid Specialists, Counselors, and support personnel.
- Foster a culture of customer service, teamwork, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Manage the departmental budget, ensuring resource efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
Financial Aid Administration
- Administer all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Oversee financial aid awarding, need analysis, verification, packaging, and disbursement processes.
- Ensure timely submission of federal, state, and institutional reports (e.g., FISAP, IPEDS, NCAA, NACUBO, etc.).
- Maintain institutional eligibility and participation in Title IV programs, serving as the primary contact for federal and state agencies.
Strategic Planning and Collaboration
- Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid, Business Office, and Enrollment to develop and execute financial aid strategies that support enrollment and retention goals.
- Partner with Admissions and Marketing to communicate financial aid information to prospective and current students through presentations, outreach events, and publications.
- Serve as the functional lead for financial aid systems, ensuring data accuracy, system optimization, and integration with institutional software (e.g., PowerFAIDS or other systems).
Compliance and Policy Development
- Develop, implement, and maintain financial aid policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Monitor regulatory updates from the U.S. Department of Education and Georgia Student Finance Commission, ensuring timely and accurate implementation.
- Conduct internal audits of financial aid files and processes to safeguard data integrity and compliance.
- Oversee administration of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits.
Student and Family Engagement
- Provide professional judgment and guidance in resolving complex financial aid issues, appeals, and special circumstances.
- Promote financial literacy and awareness among students and families.
- Ensure responsive, empathetic, and transparent communication regarding financial aid eligibility and processes.
Other Responsibilities
- Participate in institutional committees, task forces, and working groups as assigned.
- Represent the College at professional associations and training events to maintain knowledge of emerging trends and best practices.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid or other senior leaders.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Five (5) years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, including supervisory responsibilities, preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Title IV regulations, federal and state compliance, and financial aid management systems.
- Demonstrated leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with a commitment to student service.
- Proficiency in financial aid software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
To apply for this position, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references.
Employment Information
Wesleyan College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, national origin, status as a war veteran, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.
Wesleyan College is a certified drug-free workplace. All applicants being considered for employment must submit to substance screening as a condition of employment. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States, with proof of identity and work eligibility required upon acceptance of an offer. Employment is also contingent upon successfully passing a criminal background check.
Due to the volume of applicants, individual responses may not be provided. Posting may close once a qualified applicant pool is identified.
Why Wesleyan?
Located in Macon, Georgia, Wesleyan College is a close-knit liberal arts community that prepares women to thrive in leadership, service, and the global workforce. With a growing commitment to athletics and student development, Wesleyan offers a supportive and empowering environment for those who are ready to lead with vision and purpose.
- Location:
- Macon
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Education