Director of Financial Aid

Job Description

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Position Title:
Director of Financial Aid
Job Category:
Limited
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Financial Aid Director (Inst)
Job Duties:
The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office of Financial Aid Administration (OFAA) and
is responsible for
the administration, compliance, and delivery of federal, state, and select institutional financial aid programs. The Director serves as the University's principal authority on Title IV
and state
student financial aid regulations and related compliance matters, ensuring the institution
maintains
full compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and audit standards.

This position reports to the Chief Enrollment Operations Officer and Executive Director of Student Financial Services (SFS). SFS at UWM is
comprised
of
OFAA
, the Office of Student Accounts
(OSA)
, the Office of Student Scholarships
(OSS)
, and the Student Financial Service Center
(SFSC)
. The Director collaborates regularly with the Executive Director and other SFS department leaders to advance a coordinated and strategic approach
to supporting student finances
.

Daily student
advising
and
other outreach and
support are
provided
by dedicated advisors in the
SFSC.

As a key member of the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success, the Director provides leadership that supports student access, persistence, and completion through efficient, compliant, and student-centered financial aid operations. The Director
is responsible for

establishing
and maintaining a culture of compliance, continuous improvement, operational excellence, accountability, and collaboration while
utilizing
technology and data-informed decision making to improve service delivery and institutional effectiveness.

T
his role offers flexibility for a blended in-office and remote schedule over time
.
The successful candidate will be expected to report to
campus multiple days per week.

Major Responsibilities:
40%

Administration and Management

The Director of Financial Aid has overall responsibility for directing the administration and management of OFAA. Provides leadership for strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, personnel management, resource allocation, technology
utilization
, business process improvement, customer service, and operational performance. Directs development, implementation, and assessment of policies and procedures supporting the delivery of governmental financial aid programs. Leads departmental planning efforts aligned with university enrollment goals and student success priorities. Maintains effective staffing levels and develops a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment. Responsible for hiring, supervising, coaching, evaluating, and developing professional staff.

30%

Regulatory Compliance, Policy Development and Risk Management

Serves as UWM's institutional subject matter expert on Title
IV
student financial aid regulations and state financial aid requirements. Interprets and operationalizes federal statutes, regulations, Dear Colleague Letters, Electronic Announcements, Federal Student Aid Handbook guidance, and state directives. Develops and
maintains
policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance monitoring practices. Directs institutional preparation for audits, reviews, and federal program reviews. Oversees corrective action activities,
identifies
compliance risks, and
advises
university leadership
regarding
regulatory implications and opportunities to mitigate institutional liability.

15%

Federal and State Aid Program Administration and Reporting

Provides direct oversight of federal
,
state
, and select institutional
financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, Federal Work Study,
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (
FSEOG
)
,
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (
TEACH
)
Grants, Wisconsin Grant programs,
the Milwaukee Tuition Promise program,
military and veteran educational benefits coordination, and other governmental aid programs.
Oversees

the
Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (
FISAP
)
preparation, reconciliation activities, reporting requirements, fund stewardship, and compliance submissions.
Ensures

timely
awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and administration of aid programs while maximizing operational effectiveness.

10%

Leadership, Collaboration, and External Relations

Establishes and
maintains
effective working relationships with university leadership,
Strategic
Enrollment Management and Student Success
departments
, academic departments, the Universities of Wisconsin System, state agencies, and federal partners.
Represents
the university in system-wide, state, regional, and national financial aid organizations and discussions. Advises institutional leaders
regarding
financial aid regulatory changes, compliance implications, and
operational best
practices. Collaborates with campus partners to support enrollment, retention, affordability, and student success initiatives.

5%

Other

Other duties as assigned by
university/
divisional leadership.

Key Job Responsibilities:
Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
Develops operating policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives
Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit
Develops and audits the unit budget
Advises institutional leadership and unit leadership on financial aid matters
Directs strategic planning initiatives and establishes unit objectives to ensure appropriate use of resources and alignment with the strategic plan
Department:
This is an exciting opportunity to join a student-centered institution committed to access, affordability, and student success while leading a talented, veteran team responsible for the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.
As Wisconsin's premier urban research university, UWM serves more than 23,000 students and is a national leader in providing educational opportunity and social mobility. The Director of Financial Aid will play a critical leadership role within Student Financial Services and the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management & Student Success, helping to shape institutional strategy while building upon the strong foundation of an experienced and highly respected staff recognized for its professionalism, dedication, and student-centered approach.
The primary responsibility of the Office of Financial Aid Administration is determining a student's eligibility for financial aid and veteran related funds while at the same time remaining in compliance with the various federal, state, UW System, and institutional regulations and guidance. We seek a director who will continue the tradition of excellence that has long defined financial aid administration at UWM.
Compensation:
$115,000-$130,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience). This position also offers an excellent benefits package, including health insurance, paid sick leave, personal, vacation and legal holiday time off as well as contribution towards the cost of several other employee benefits, including a pension.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher

At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible financial aid experience, including at least three years of supervisory or leadership experience

Demonstrated advanced knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, state financial aid programs, and related compliance requirements

Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement complex regulatory guidance while effectively managing compliance and institutional risk

Experience with federal financial aid systems and reporting tools including the FISAP, Common Origination & Disbursement (COD) system, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Partner
Portal
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in higher education administration or a related field, or more than 15 years working professionally in higher education

Experience administering financial aid at a large public university with a broad range of student populations and financial aid needs, including first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients

Demonstrated strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a collaborative and student-centered approach

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Certified Financial Aid Administrator (FAAC) designation or other advanced financial aid certification

Experience leading financial aid audits, federal program reviews, or other compliance-related initiatives

Familiarity with financial aid technology solutions, workflow automation, and reporting tools

Knowledge of Universities of Wisconsin policies and procedures and/or usage of PeopleSoft Campus Solutions

Active participation in professional financial aid associations
Physical Requirements:
Sitting:
Work at a desk for many hours each day.

Viewing:
Look at computer
monitors
to read data and reports.

Speaking:
Talk clearly during meeting
s and
staff
training
.

Listening:
Hear and understand questions from students and staff.

Hand use:
Type on a keyboard and use a mouse.

Walking:
Move across campus for meetings with other leaders.

Ca