Description

Clark University seeks a strategic and student-centered Director of Financial Aid to oversee the administration of approximately $60 million in aid annually, including $47 million in institutional funding. This role leads a dedicated team within the Office of Financial Assistance and serves as a key member of the Admissions and Financial Aid leadership team.

The Director ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, advances the university's goals for access and retention, and fosters a culture of exceptional service and financial literacy. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical and regulatory expertise, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to equity and transparency in financial aid administration.

• Lead all financial aid operations: Manage awarding and disbursement of institutional, federal, and state aid; ensure compliance, accuracy, and service excellence.
• Oversee compliance and reporting: Serve as the institution's Chief Compliance Officer for Title IV programs. Coordinate federal and state audits, reporting, and reconciliation processes in partnership with Accounting.
• Develop strategy and policy: Collaborate with senior leadership to design leveraging models and financial aid strategies that advance enrollment and student success goals.
• Supervise and develop staff: Hire, train, and mentor financial aid professionals; promote cross-training and professional growth to ensure compliance and continuity.
• Foster campus collaboration: Partner with Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, and IT to streamline financial aid processes and enhance efficiency.
• Manage loan and fund programs: Administer federal, state, and institutional loan programs; ensure timely reconciliation and fiscal accountability.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in financial aid management, including staff supervision.
• Expert knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance standards.
• Proficiency with Banner and PowerFaids.
• Strong analytical, data, and modeling skills to support strategic financial aid leveraging.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively across a diverse community and to deliver engaging presentations and webinars for students, families, and counselors.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in higher education administration, finance, or a related field.
• Experience developing leveraging strategies in a private university setting.
• Familiarity with additional systems, including Slate.

Working Conditions

• Primarily campus-based with regular engagement with students, families, and campus partners.
• Occasional evening or weekend work during peak enrollment and aid periods.
• Limited travel for professional development and conferences.

Expected Hiring Range: $115,100 to $143,900

Pay Transparency Disclosure:
The compensation for this position will be determined based on factors that include available budget, internal equity, and the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. This range represents Clark University's good-faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting consistent with Clark's compensation philosophy and internal alignment.

At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

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