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Roosevelt University

Senior Director of Financial Aid

Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Working Hours: M-F - some evenings and weekends required.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Financial Aid and Compliance oversees the administration and strategic management of the institution’s financial aid programs and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations. This leadership role requires a commitment to delivering exceptional service to students and families while managing and optimizing financial aid resources.

The Senior Director will lead a team, drive continuous improvement in processes, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support student success. This is a full-time, exempt, administrative position that reports to the Associate Vice President of Financial Aid and Enrollment.

This is a hybrid role and onsite attendance is required at minimum 2 days a week.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

A bachelor’s degree in a related field.

A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated progressive leadership and supervision experience in a financial aid office at a college or university.

Knowledge of technology including use of student information systems (SIS) to improve process and customer service; and spreadsheet and database software for analysis and reporting. Knowledge of best practices in financial aid and regulatory compliance with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal), interpersonal skills and attention to detail.

Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships.

Ability to demonstrate a commitment to service excellence by embodying Roosevelt’s core values, mission, and vision in every aspect of the role working with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

A positive and professional demeanor. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership and Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement strategic plans for financial aid operations that align with the institution’s mission and enrollment goals.

Lead and mentor a team of financial aid professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and accountability.

Evaluate and improve policies, processes, and systems to enhance efficiency and the student experience.

Compliance and Risk Management:

Ensure institutional compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing financial aid, including the Higher Education Act, FERPA, Title IV, and state grant programs.

Lead audits and reviews, preparing and maintaining accurate documentation and reports as required by regulatory agencies.

Stay updated on changes to financial aid policies and communicate implications to senior leadership and staff.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

Monitor financial aid data, prepare detailed reports, and analyze trends to inform strategic decision-making.

Collaborate with Institutional Research to support data-driven enrollment and financial aid strategies.

Provide projections and financial models to support budget planning and resource allocation.

Technology and Systems Management:

Oversee the financial aid management system, ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient operation.

Collaborate with IT and Enrollment Management to optimize the use of technology in delivering financial aid services.

Lead the implementation of new software solutions and upgrades as needed.

Collaboration and Outreach:

Work closely with Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, and other departments to streamline the student financial aid experience.

Develop and maintain strong partnerships with external agencies, state and federal representatives, and financial aid associations.

Conduct financial aid workshops and training sessions for staff, students, and families.

Active involvement in national or regional financial aid associations.

Proactively build and maintain excellent working relationships across the University to make improvements to the software and program.

Develop financial aid policies to support innovative scholarship and funding models.

Serves as a security officer for office systems and data, leads all efforts related to security and confidentiality among staff, provides systems support and first-line technical training and user support for Campus Logic.

Provides administrative and technical support.

Maintains information regarding institutional, state, federal, and outside scholarship to disseminate and publicize in various formats.

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