Group Director of Financial Aid

About the role

Reporting to the Vice President of Student Finance, the Group Director of Financial Aid provides matrixed leadership and performance oversight for Directors of Financial Aid across an assigned region. Partnering with Campus Presidents and regional leaders, the Group Director sets performance objectives, benchmarks key performance indicators (KPIs), develops high-performing Directors, and leads improvements that support enrollment, retention, regulatory compliance, and exceptional student service.

Job responsibilities

• Establish performance expectations, measurable objectives, and action plans for Directors of Financial Aid with Campus Presidents, aligned with regional and institutional priorities.
• Drive consistent financial aid performance across assigned campuses, including timely packaging, student financial readiness, and resolution of outstanding requirements to support start conversion and persistence.
• Monitor and benchmark performance using KPIs, operational metrics, run rates, and reporting tools to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities against targets and regional results.
• With Campus Presidents, establish corrective actions for performance gaps, hold Directors accountable for results, and monitor execution through resolution, escalating unresolved issues as appropriate.
• Coach and develop Directors of Financial Aid to strengthen leadership effectiveness, staff productivity, customer service, and operational outcomes.
• Participate in recruiting, selecting, and hiring Directors of Financial Aid, and guide their onboarding and training on expectations, procedures, metrics, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure Directors provide ongoing training for financial aid administrators on regulatory changes, technology, financial aid practices, and customer service.
• Ensure Directors maintain workflows, staffing plans, and service standards that meet campus needs; identify staffing needs, leadership gaps, and succession opportunities across the region.
• Partner with Campus Presidents, Admissions, and campus leaders to ensure timely financial aid processing and proactive resolution of financial barriers before each start.
• Promote compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and reporting requirements; support audits, quality assurance reviews, and compliance initiatives.
• Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, technology, and industry trends, and communicate relevant changes and their impact to campus leaders.
• Guide the resolution of complex, sensitive, or escalated student financial aid matters with corporate-level teams and campus leadership.
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of improvements to financial aid procedures, systems, and workflows, and share successful practices across campuses.
• Assume interim Director of Financial Aid responsibilities during absences, vacancies, or periods of increased demand, ensuring continuity of services and compliance.
• Promote a student-centered service culture that demonstrates respect, dignity, kindness, and empathy in every interaction with students, families, visitors, and employees.

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred
• 10+ years of financial aid experience, including at least two years at the Director level or above
• Expert knowledge of Title IV regulations
• Management experience, including leading financial aid teams and developing other leaders
• Ability to impart knowledge to others successfully
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Anthology Student/CampusVue or comparable SIS and financial aid system experience preferred
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• May not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment on a federal grant

We Offer

• Medical, Dental and Vision starting the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• 2 Weeks' starting Vacation per year. Increasing based on years of service with company
• 12 paid Holidays and 2 Floating Holiday
• 401k with company match
• Company Paid Life Insurance at 1x's your annual salary
• Leadership development and training for career advancement
• Tuition assistance and Forgiveness for you and your family up to 100% depending on the program