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La Sierra University seeks a Director of Student Financial Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's Student Financial Services operations, including Financial Aid and Student Accounts. The Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial assistance programs and student account administration while supporting institutional enrollment, retention, and financial sustainability goals.
The Director oversees financial aid administration, student accounts operations, Title IV compliance, audit readiness, reporting, customer service, systems management, and staff development. Working collaboratively with Enrollment, Admissions, Finance, Academic Affairs, Student Life, and other campus stakeholders, the Director develops policies, procedures, and financial aid strategies that promote student success, institutional effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
§ Provide strategic leadership and direction for all Student Financial Services operations, including Financial Aid and Student Accounts.
§ Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and service standards.
§ Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Admissions, Finance, Academic Affairs, Student Life, and other departments to support institutional enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.
§ Evaluate financial aid packaging methodologies and scholarship programs to support institutional priorities and student access.
§ Analyze enrollment, financial aid, student debt, and retention trends and recommend policy or process improvements.
§ Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional customer service.
§ Serve on University committees and task forces as assigned and chair committees as appropriate.
Financial Aid Administration and Regulatory Compliance
§ Serve as the University's primary authority on Title IV regulations, state financial aid programs, and financial aid compliance matters.
§ Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, accreditor, and institutional regulations governing student financial assistance programs.
§ Monitor regulatory changes and implement operational changes necessary to maintain compliance.
§ Review federal guidance, Dear Colleague Letters, electronic announcements, regulations, manuals, and other publications issued by regulatory agencies.
§ Provide guidance and training to campus departments regarding financial aid and Title IV requirements.
§ Oversee the processing of financial aid applications, verification, professional judgment reviews, loan certifications, and awarding activities.
§ Establish and annually update Cost of Attendance budgets.
§ Oversee satisfactory academic progress (SAP) administration and appeals.
§ Oversee professional judgment and special circumstance reviews.
§ Oversee entrance and exit counseling requirements for student loan borrowers.
§ Oversee federal refund calculations and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) compliance.
§ Ensure timely and accurate reporting to federal, state, and other external agencies.
§ Maintain and update the University's Program Participation Agreement (PPA) and other required Department of Education certifications.
§ Coordinate and conduct financial aid workshops and outreach programs for students and families.
§ Develop and maintain financial aid applications, forms, publications, and informational materials.
§ Review and update financial aid content on the University's website and consumer information disclosures.
§ Monitor storage, retention, and destruction of financial aid records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Student Accounts and Receivables Management
§ Oversee student accounts operations, including billing, payment processing, collections, refunds, registration clearance, and accounts receivable management.
§ Monitor current student receivables and collection activities to support institutional cash flow and minimize delinquent accounts.
§ Oversee tuition installment payment plans and related processes.
§ Collaborate with Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate student account reconciliations and reporting.
§ Develop and implement policies and procedures that promote effective account management and customer service.
Financial Management, Reporting, and Audit Administration
§ Prepare and manage the annual Student Financial Services operating budget.
§ Develop projections and monitor institutional financial aid expenditures and scholarship budgets.
§ Analyze institutional aid utilization and provide recommendations regarding financial aid funding allocations.
§ Prepare, review, and submit required federal, state, and institutional reports.
§ Serve as the primary administrator responsible for preparation and submission of the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP).
§ Coordinate recertification activities and other Department of Education reporting requirements.
§ Complete required surveys, questionnaires, benchmarking reports, and institutional data requests.
§ Develop and monitor key performance indicators related to financial aid processing, compliance, student accounts, customer service, and operational effectiveness.
§ Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership, auditors, and governing bodies.
§ Lead departmental preparation for internal audits, external audits, accreditation reviews, and federal or state program reviews.
§ Develop and maintain internal controls that mitigate compliance and financial risk.
Systems Administration and Process Improvement
§ Provide oversight of financial aid and student accounts systems, including Banner and related software platforms.
§ Collaborate with Information Technology to implement regulatory updates, system enhancements, testing, and process improvements.
§ Ensure the integrity, security, confidentiality, and accuracy of student financial services data.
§ Evaluate business processes and implement technology solutions that improve efficiency and service delivery.
Student Success and Customer Service
§ Provide leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating customer service initiatives.
§ Promote financial literacy and student financial wellness through educational programming and outreach.
§ Develop strategies that reduce financial barriers to student enrollment, persistence, and graduation.
§ Maintain collaborative working relationships with Admissions, Recruitment, Registrar, Finance, Student Life, Academic Affairs, and other campus partners.
§ Ensure timely and effective communication with students, families, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Personnel Management
§ Supervise professional and support staff within Student Financial Services.
§ Recruit, hire, train, develop, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline staff in accordance with University policies.
§ Conduct regular staff meetings and provide ongoing professional development opportunities.
§ Establish performance expectations and assess employee performance.
§ Promote teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the department.
§ Develop succession planning and cross-training strategies to ensure operational continuity.
Other Duties
§ Attend and participate in professional conferences, workshops, and training programs, including NASFAA, WASFAA, CASFAA, and other professional organizations.
§ Maintain professional knowledge of trends, best practices, and regulatory developments affecting student financial services.
§ Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Financial Administration.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
§ Comprehensive knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid regulations, state financial aid programs, and higher education compliance requirements.
§ Knowledge of student accounts operations, accounts receivable management, and collections practices.
§ Knowledge of higher education enrollment management principles and financial aid leveraging strategies.
§ Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
§ Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and policies.
§ Ability to prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations.
§ Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills.
§ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse constituencies.
§ Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
§ Proficiency with student information systems, financial aid management systems, and standard office software.
Credentials and Experience
Required
§ Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
§ Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, student financial services, enrollment management, accounting, or a related higher education field.
§ Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
§ Demonstrated experience administering Title IV federal student aid programs and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Preferred
§ Master's degree in a related field.
§ Experience overseeing both Financial Aid and Student Accounts operations.
§ Experience with Banner or a comparable student information system.
§ Experience managing audits, program reviews, accreditation reviews, and regulatory reporting.
§ Professional involvement with NASFAA, WASFAA, CASFAA, or similar organizations.
Salary Range $74,934.58 - 92,000, plus generous benefits.