Director of Student Financial Aid HV-NTPI-8088

Location: Troy,New York,United States

Department: Financial Aid
Director of Student Financial Aid HV-NTPI-8088

Reports To: Dean of Enrollment Services
Location: Main Campus (Troy, NY)
Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00
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Position Summary:
The Director of Student Financial Aid reports to the Dean of Enrollment Services or his/her designee and plays a strategic leadership role in managing the Financial Aid Office. This position requires a high degree of independent judgment, strategic thinking, and collaboration to align financial aid operations with the College’s mission and strategic goals. The Director will champion initiatives that promote financial access, compliance, literacy, and student success.

Key Responsibilities:
1.    Provides leadership and oversight for the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office.
2.    Serves as the Chief Title IV Student Financial Aid Administrator for the campus. 
3.    Supervises Associate and/or Assistant Directors and offers leadership and guidance to financial aid staff.
4.    Interprets, applies, and communicates federal and state financial aid regulations. 
5.    Implements programmatic changes to ensure compliance.
6.    Oversees office policies, procedures, personnel, and internal controls related to state and federal compliance.
7.    Develops, maintains, and updates internal operational policies and procedural documentation.
8.    Leads the implementation and reporting of the SUNY Reconnect Program, ensuring accurate aid packaging, and data tracking.
9.    Monitors and assesses programs and internal processes to safeguard financial aid resources and ensure regulatory compliance.
10.    Advises campus leadership on policy decisions and strategic initiatives related to financial aid.
11.    Evaluates and optimizes departmental structure to meet goals efficiently and within budget.
12.    Conducts annual departmental evaluations, assessments, and unit plans aligned with institutional objectives.
13.    Partners with IT and system administrators to test, streamline, and optimize Ellucian Banner processes; develop or request data queries for analysis and reporting.
14.    Ensures accurate and timely verification and awarding of financial aid in accordance with all applicable regulations.
15.    Monitors student financial aid eligibility, including satisfactory academic progress, and communicate any changes clearly and promptly.
16.    Plans, manages, and monitors the department’s annual budget.
17.    Prepares and submits all required federal, state, and institutional financial aid applications and reports, including audit documentation.
18.    Provides training for faculty and staff on financial aid policies and the impact on student eligibility.
19.    Reconciles federal financial aid funds with the U.S. Department of Education.
20.    Serves as a collaborative partner across campus to support a student-centered and integrated financial aid experience.
21.    Works closely with the Bursar’s Office to improve and align financial processes and student account services.
22.    Flexibility to work evenings and weekends during peak registration periods.
23.    Designs and delivers financial literacy programming to educate students on personal finance, debt management, and responsible borrowing.
24.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

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Qualifications:
Required:
•    Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or closely related field.
•    Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid
•    Minimum of two years’ experience in a supervisory and/or leadership role
•    Strong leadership and supervisory experience and demonstrated success in student financial aid
•    Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
•    Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
•    Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Preferred:
•    Comprehensive experience in administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. 
•    Strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within student support services.
•    Demonstrated success in leading teams and overseeing complex administrative operations. 
•    Experience with SUNY system admissions processes and policies.
•    Spanish-speaking candidates strongly preferred. 
•    Familiarity with student information systems, i.e. Banner. 
•    Knowledg