Director of Financial Aid

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

Howard University is seeking an innovative and collaborative Executive Director of Financial Aid to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Office of Financial Aid. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the successful administration of all institutional, federal, state, local, and private financial aid and scholarship programs. The Executive Director is responsible for accurate and efficient financial aid processing, operations, and customer service while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal laws, regulations, institutional policies and procedures, and donor restrictions. The Executive Director plays a key role in supporting the University's enrollment, retention, and net tuition revenue goals through the development and implementation of effective financial aid strategies. As a member of the Enrollment Management Leadership Team, the Executive Director collaborates closely with other units within Enrollment Management and Student Success, colleges/schools and academic departments, Development and Alumni Relations, and other administrative and student services units. A critical partnership exists with the Office of the Bursar, with whom the Executive Director works directly to ensure seamless coordination of student billing, outside scholarship and third-party payments, aid disbursement, and student account resolution.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Executive Director is also responsible for promoting a student-centered culture by educating students and their families about college financing options, empowering them to make informed financial decisions. The role includes fostering professional development among staff and cultivating a service-oriented environment focused on student success.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Responsible for general oversight of Financial Aid Team Members.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serve as University’s Chief Financial Aid Administrator for Title IV, Title VII, and Institutional Aid.
• Monitor and analyze federal Title IV, Title VII and Title IX, NCAA, state, institutional and other applicable regulations to guide and coordinate necessary financial aid policy, system and procedural changes for the Office of Financial Aid and the University in general.
• Collaborate with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to develop annual financial aid budgets, policies, and procedures that support enrollment and strategic plan objectives.
• Responsible for leveraging the University’s institutional aid programs to support enrollment, net tuition revenue, and comply with budgetary needs of the University. Specifically responsible for supporting recruitment and retention efforts through strategic assessment and leveraging of financial aid programs.
• Serve as key administrator within Enrollment Management. Collaborate with other Enrollment Management units to create streamlined student enrollment experience.
• Work with University leadership on all issues concerning Financial Aid.
• Review and submit the University’s annual Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), Program Participation Agreement (PPA) and Eligibility and Certification Approval report (ECAR).
• Act as primary Financial Aid contact for compliance and financial audits and reviews.
• Conduct formal and ad hoc training sessions for entire Financial Aid staff and cross functional training for other areas of the Office of Financial Aid.
• Represent the University and the Office of Financial Aid at internal and external events and respond verbally and in writing to inquiries regarding service delivery, audits, administrative functions and daily operations.
• Responsible for final financial aid appeals from students.
• Counsel current and prospective students and parents on all federal, state and institutional student aid programs and on procedures related to receiving financial aid.
• Maintain accurate and properly documented financial aid records in compliance with federal, state, local and institutional guidelines and regulations.
• Stay current with evolving federal and state regulations through ongoing research and participation in professional development opportunities.
• Supervise the management of the student aid system, including data integrity, compliance reporting, timely disbursement, reconciliation of funds, and audit preparation.
• Work directly with the Bursar's Office to coordinate financial aid disbursement, student billing, and account resolution processes.
• Develop and maintain a student-centric culture of customer service, ensuring that students and families are well-informed about financial aid processes and college financing options.
• Provide outreach and education on financial literacy and aid options through various channels, including workshops, digital content, and one-on-one counseling.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated success working without supervision, taking considerable initiative, collaboratively setting, and attaining performance goals, and managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Committed to providing quality assistance to a socio-economically diverse student population
• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative responsiveness to problem-solving within a team environment
• Process-oriented and able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Can exercise good judgment when faced with difficult decisions
• Expert knowledge of financial aid program legislation as well as internal and external reporting requirements.
• Experience with an automated financial system.
• Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications and standard office equipment, in a timely, accurate and efficient manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with students, staff, faculty, and the general public.
• Proficient in using CRM and ERP technology. Workday Student and PowerFAIDs experience preferred.
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and attention to detail are essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to listen and communicate in a professional and positive manner
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with students, staff, faculty, and the public

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Masters required.
• 10+ years progressively responsible supervisory experience in financial aid
• Strong understanding of the admissions and financial aid processes, financial aid leveraging, and optimization of financial aid for strategic enrollment
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives and planning financial literacy programming
• Skill in leading and managing a results-oriented team of financial aid professionals
• Professional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively present information to a wide range of constituents, including senior organizational leaders, public groups, and people from diverse cultures and worldviews
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other basic technology
• Expert knowledge of the financial aid modules of an ERP system.

Work Environment:

• In person
• On Howard University main campus
• 40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, weekends, and evenings as necessary

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000