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$25K

$64.8K

$91.5K

How much do associate director financial aid jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director financial aid in the United States is $64,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Director of Financial Aid, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Director of Financial Aid, you need expertise in federal and state financial aid regulations, financial analysis, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Proficiency with financial aid management systems (such as Banner or PowerFAIDS), student information systems, and compliance software is crucial. Exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal communication skills help in managing teams and guiding students through complex processes. These skills ensure regulatory compliance, effective administration of aid programs, and positive student outcomes.

How does the Associate Director of Financial Aid collaborate with other departments to support student success?

The Associate Director of Financial Aid regularly partners with Admissions, Registrar, and Student Affairs to ensure students receive holistic support throughout their academic journey. This role often involves participating in cross-departmental meetings, developing joint outreach initiatives, and streamlining processes to assist students effectively. By fostering these collaborations, the Associate Director helps identify and address financial barriers, ensuring students have the resources and guidance they need to persist and succeed.

What does an Associate Director of Financial Aid do?

An Associate Director of Financial Aid assists in managing a college or university's financial aid office. They oversee the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs, ensuring compliance with regulations. Their responsibilities include supervising staff, evaluating student eligibility, and developing policies to improve aid processes. They also collaborate with other departments to support student success and address financial concerns.

What is the difference between Associate Director Financial Aid vs Financial Aid Director?

AspectAssociate Director Financial AidFinancial Aid Director
CredentialsBachelor's degree; experience in financial aidBachelor's or master's degree; extensive financial aid experience
Work EnvironmentSupports financial aid operations, reports to directorOversees entire financial aid department, strategic planning
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities, financial aid officesColleges, universities, and higher education institutions

The Associate Director Financial Aid typically handles daily operations and reports to the Financial Aid Director, who manages the overall strategy and department leadership. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Director position involves broader oversight and strategic responsibilities.

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Associate Director Financial Aid jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director Financial Aid job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,837 per year, or $31.2 per hour.
Associate Director, Financial Aid - Compliance & Operations

Associate Director, Financial Aid - Compliance & Operations

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$5.90K - $7.08K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 8 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assoc Dir,Financial Aid
Requisition ID
req36732
Working Title
Associate Director, Financial Aid - Compliance & Operations
Position Grade
15
Position Summary
The University of New Mexico (UNM) Student Financial Aid Office is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and service-driven professional to serve as Associate Director for Financial Aid Compliance & Operations. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead critical functions within a forward-thinking financial aid office dedicated to access, equity, and student success.
Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director provides strategic, compliance and operational leadership for the Financial Aid Processing, Scholarships, and Student Employment programs within the department. This role ensures regulatory compliance, operational and systems efficiency, and a student-centered service experience across all areas of responsibility, working closely with the technical operations of the department.
The Associate Director collaborates closely with colleagues across the Division of Enrollment Management and campuswide partners and serves as the primary administrator in the Director's absence. The individual in this role actively contributes to long-term planning and the optimization of financial aid resources in support of UNM's recruitment, retention, and completion goals.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Drive operational strategies that support institutional goals for access, affordability, and student success.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to set priorities and performance targets for all operational areas.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the Federal Aid Processing, Scholarships, and Student Employment teams.
  • Monitor and hold managers accountable for meeting deadlines, compliance standards, and service quality.
  • Lead operational planning, resource allocation, and performance reviews to optimize workflows and staffing.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and audit requirements.
  • Collaborate in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of processes, workflows, and systems that support accurate, timely delivery of aid.
  • Ensure consistent application of policies and SOPs across all teams, maintaining accuracy and compliance.
  • Interpret regulatory changes and coordinate timely implementation of system and process updates.
  • Expand student employment and work-study programs through cross-campus partnerships.
  • Support institutional initiatives aimed at improving financial aid delivery and student experience.
  • Provide coaching and guidance to managers, fostering accountability and professional growth.
  • Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Monitor regulatory updates and ensure timely application of new rules, documentation, and collaborate on system changes.

Required Qualifications:
  • Broad experience administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of scholarship and student employment program administration.
  • Strong analytical skills, with experience using data to inform decisions.
  • Excellent communication skills-oral, written, and presentation.
  • Experience leading teams in a fast-paced, student-focused environment.
  • Experience leading through multiple layers of staff, with direct oversight of supervisors or managers and proven ability to develop leadership capability, drive accountability, and ensure consistent performance across teams.
  • High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a related field.
  • Experience with Ellucian Banner, AwardSpring, OnBase, and other relevant technologies.
  • Proven success in a higher-education financial aid setting.
  • Ability to creatively problem-solve, adapt to evolving regulations, and implement innovative solutions.
  • Demonstrated cultural awareness and ability to lead change initiatives and implement innovative, student-centered solutions.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
SFAO Administration (454B)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $5,903.73-$7,083.34
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
5/28/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
Yes
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, subject to department approval.
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please attach a resumeUNMJobs application and original cover letter.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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