Director Academic Innovation Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Department: Financial Aid

Reports To: Director of Financial Aid

Job Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Financial Aid Systems, Data & Technology serves as the technical and operational leader for all financial aid systems, data processes, and technology initiatives within the Office of Student Financial Services. This position is responsible for the strategic oversight, configuration, optimization, and compliance of financial aid systems, including Ellucian Banner SaaS. This role plays a critical leadership function in ensuring accurate aid delivery, regulatory compliance, data integrity, and system performance, while driving innovation, automation, and continuous improvement across all financial aid operations. The Associate Director serves as the primary liaison between Financial Aid, Information Technology, and external agencies, and is instrumental in aligning system capabilities with institutional enrollment and student success goals.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the administration, configuration, and optimization of financial aid systems, including Banner Financial Aid and Banner SaaS environment.
• Serve as the functional lead on Banner SaaS for the office of financial aid, including testing, validation, and process redesign.
• Oversee system setup for all aid programs (federal, state, institutional, and private).
• Ensure system configurations support compliant, efficient, and scalable operations.
• Translate federal and state regulations into system configurations and business processes.
• Ensure compliance with Title IV, state aid programs, and institutional policies.
• Oversee system-driven processes including:
  • Packaging and awarding
  • Verification tracking
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Disbursement and reconciliation
• Support audits, program reviews, and compliance reporting.
• Support the Director by assisting with daily financial aid operations and performing functional data analysis.
• Oversee ISIR processing, data imports, and system integrations with **Federal Student Aid systems (e.g., COD, NSLDS).
• Develop and maintain operational and compliance reports using tools such as Insights, Argos, and SQL.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity across systems.
• Provide data insights to support strategic enrollment and financial aid decisions.
• Work with the Financial Aid Director to create and maintain Ad Hoc Reports for internal and external use.
• Manage financial aid disbursement processes to ensure timely and accurate delivery of funds.
• Oversee reconciliation between Banner SAAS, federal systems, and institutional accounts.
• Identify discrepancies and lead resolution efforts in collaboration with the Business Office.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate financial aid processes.
• Lead implementation of workflow tools (e.g., document management, student forms, automation tools).
• Evaluate and improve student-facing and internal system workflows.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Information Technology on system upgrades, integrations, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Business Office, and Enrollment Management.
• Participate in institutional technology initiatives and strategic planning. Train and support financial aid staff on system functionality and technical processes.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, SOPs, and training materials.
• Promote cross-training to reduce operational risk.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in financial aid, with significant technical/system responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience with Banner Financial Aid or comparable ERP system
• Strong knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, including Title IV
• Experience with financial aid packaging, disbursement, and reconciliation processes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree
• Experience with Banner SaaS or cloud ERP implementations
• Experience with reporting tools (Argos, Insights, SQL, or similar)
• Knowledge of Texas state aid programs (e.g., TEG, TCWS)
• Experience with document management systems (e.g., Campus Logic or similar)
• Experience leading system implementations or major upgrades

Core Competencies:

• Advanced technical and systems expertise
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and regulatory compliance
• Ability to translate complex regulations into system processes
• Project management and change management skills
• Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Work Environment & Expectations:

• Full-time, exempt position
• Occasional extended hours during peak processing periods or system implementations
• Hybrid work flexibility may be available based on institutional policy

Why This Role Matters at HCU:

• Lead a major Banner SaaS transformation initiative
• Drive innovation in financial aid systems and student experience
• Play a critical role in student access, affordability, and retention
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic initiatives
• Opportunity to build scalable, modern financial aid operations

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Professional development support (e.g., conferences, certifications)
• Opportunity for career growth and leadership advancement

Additional Information:

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with a diverse student body. It has access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. For more information about the University, visit hc.edu.

The University has implemented its Ten Pillars vision (hc.edu/vision) and anticipates significant growth in student enrollment and university programs. The successful candidate will also be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars vision statement.

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.

**Disclaimer**

Background checks are performed on every new hire. If your application is selected to continue with the interviewing process you will be required to submit a Background Check form. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application you understand and accept this process.