Executive Director of Financial Aid & Student Accounts

Date: November 18, 2025
Title: Executive Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts

Description: The Executive Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts is responsible for leading a unified office that seamlessly integrates financial aid and student accounts operations, emphasizing a student-centered approach to service and customer experience. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Executive Director plays a critical role in developing strategies to optimize financial aid distribution, revenue management, and compliance, while supporting student recruitment and retention efforts. This position is a key member of the Enrollment Management Senior Leadership Team and collaborates closely with departments across the Division and the entire Hartwick College community.

Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategic Management:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for a unified Financial Aid and Student Accounts office, promoting a culture that values the student experience and prioritizes outstanding customer service.
• Develop and implement comprehensive policies and procedures that align with Hartwick’s enrollment and financial goals, focusing on financial aid awarding, revenue optimization, and student account management.
• Manage all aspects of data and reporting within the Ellucian Colleague (and eventually Jenzabar) system, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Serve as the primary administrator responsible for all federal, state, and institutional financial aid compliance matters.
• As a representative of the College, expected to comport oneself in a professional manner, both on and off campus.

Collaboration and Cross-Departmental Coordination:

• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Enrollment Management, Finance, Athletics, Admissions, Student Affairs, and all other departments to support recruitment and retention of Hartwick students.
• Play a key role in the annual tuition pricing and financial aid optimization plan, providing insight and support to optimize both financial aid and revenue strategies.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between Financial Aid and Student Accounts functions.
• Work directly and independently with the Vice President for Finance and Operations to develop the institutional aid budget and monitoring of the tuition discount rate and on all other projects and requests as needed.
• Participate in key campus-wide events including but not limited to Admissions events, Commencement, True Blue Weekend, Honors Convocation, Student Showcase and Wick Week.

Operational Management and Compliance:

• Oversee the processing and issuance of financial aid awards, including scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of aid, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Supervise and guide the development of budgets and financial aid packaging strategies that align with Hartwick’s goals for enrollment, discount rate management, and net tuition revenue.
• Prepare and submit all required reports and documentation, including but not limited to FISAP, IPEDS, NYSED, NCAA Division III reports, and a variety of reporting tasks associated with the annual Uniform Guidance audit.
• Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV funds financial aid processes.

Customer Experience and Student Support:

• Lead efforts to enhance the student experience by providing clear, supportive, and personalized guidance on financial aid and billing processes.
• Develop proactive communication strategies to keep students and families informed and engaged throughout their financial journey at Hartwick. Work collaboratively with the Director of Business Systems and Operations to maximize Technolutions Slate as an engagement tool.
• Ensure that all student accounts operations are aligned with a service-oriented philosophy that prioritizes responsiveness, accuracy, and transparency.

Staff Supervision and Professional Development:

• Supervise and support the professional development of the Financial Aid and Student Accounts team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for staff to ensure up-to-date knowledge of best practices, compliance requirements, and emerging trends in financial aid and student accounts management.
• Attend professional conferences and workshops, including the FSA Annual Conference and the NCAA Rules Seminar.

Financial Aid and Revenue Optimization:

• Leverage financial aid leveraging models and best practices to maximize the impact of institutional aid on