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Executive Director Financial Aid Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia

Director, Financial Aid

Griffin, GA · On-site

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Financial Aid within the Enrollment Management division. The Director of Financial Aid Operations assists with the day-to-day management of the ...

State-of-Georgi

Director, Financial Aid

Griffin, GA · On-site

Assisting the Executive Director with the oversight and management of the Financial Aid and Financial Aid Self-Serve modules of the Ellucian / Banner software systems. This position also coordinates ...

New

Tri-C

Director, Financial Aid Systems

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$75K - $83K/yr

Jerry Sue Thornton Center Reports To: Exec Dir, Financial Aid Recruitment Type: External/Internal Requisition ID: req7318 Employment Type: Administration and Professionals Union Position: Non-Union ...

TNBR Careers

Director, Financial Aid

Nashville, TN · On-site

$64K - $96K/yr

Director, Financial Aid POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and oversight of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This role ensures ...

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$27.5K

$89.9K

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

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director financial aid in the United States is $89,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an executive director of financial aid do?

An Executive Director of Financial Aid oversees the administration and strategic direction of a college or university's financial aid office. They ensure that students receive accurate information about financial aid options, manage compliance with federal and state regulations, and supervise the staff responsible for processing applications. The Executive Director also develops policies, manages budgets, and works to increase access to financial resources for students. Their leadership is crucial for ensuring that the institution provides fair and equitable financial support to eligible students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive director of financial aid?

To thrive as an Executive Director of Financial Aid, you need deep knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, strategic management experience, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Expertise with financial aid management systems (such as Banner or PowerFAIDS), compliance tools, and data analysis software is crucial. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills distinguish top candidates by enabling them to lead teams and support diverse student populations effectively. These competencies ensure regulatory compliance, optimize student support, and contribute to the institution’s goals and reputation.

What are some common challenges faced by an executive director of financial aid, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Executive Directors of Financial Aid often navigate challenges such as keeping up with changing federal and state regulations, ensuring institutional compliance, and balancing limited resources with student needs. They must also lead teams through periods of high demand, like enrollment cycles, and handle sensitive situations involving student finances. Applicants can prepare by staying informed on regulatory updates, cultivating strong leadership and communication skills, and gaining experience with data analysis and process improvement to optimize aid distribution.

What cities are hiring for Executive Director Financial Aid jobs?

Cities with the most Executive Director Financial Aid job openings:

What states have the most Executive Director Financial Aid jobs?

States with the most job openings for Executive Director Financial Aid jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Executive Director Financial Aid jobs?

For Executive Director Financial Aid jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Executive Director Financial Aid job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,912 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Executive Director Financial Aid

Winter Park, FL • On-site

Full Sail University
Education • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Full Sail Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Full Sail University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

If you're looking for the chance to learn, grow, and make a contribution to the community, look at employment opportunities with Full Sail University. You'll find your choice of career opportunities, great benefits, an environment that welcomes and values creativity, and a work experience that is both challenging and rewarding!
The Executive Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership direction, and oversight for all aspects of student financial aid administration and compliance. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs while supporting the institutional enrollment, retention, and student success objectives.
The Executive Director of Financial Aid reports to the Executive Vice President and serves as a senior leader and Full Sail Ambassador within Financial Aid and collaborates closely with senior leadership, finance, admissions, student affairs, compliance, and academic departments to develop and implement student-centered financial strategies that support institutional growth. This position is responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, including title IV requirements while promoting service quality, fiscal responsibility and continuous operational influence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Institutional Impact
  • Provide executive leadership for the overall financial aid strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, enrollment objectives, and student success initiatives.
  • Serve as a senior advisor on matters related to student affordability, funding models, and financial access.
  • Drive innovation and transformation within financial aid operations to improve the student experience and institutional effectiveness.
  • Champion a culture of service excellence, integrity, and accountability across the organization.

Regulatory Oversight & Compliance
  • Ensure institutional compliance all applicable federal, state, and accreditation regulations governing financial aid programs, including Title IV requirements.
  • Provide executive oversight of policy development, risk management, and audit readiness.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory changes, assessing impact and guiding institutional response strategies.
  • Maintain a strong compliance framework that mitigates institutional risk while supporting student access.

Operational Excellence & Organizational Leadership
  • Oversee the performance, structure, and scalability of the financial aid organization to support current and future institutional needs.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team, fostering engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Establish performance metrics and ensure continuous improvement in service delivery, accuracy, and timeliness.
  • Ensure the effective integration of systems, processes, and technology to support efficient operations.
  • Lead corrective action planning and remediation efforts related to audit findings, compliance concerns or regulatory issues.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align financial aid strategies with enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.
  • Serve as a key institutional representative with external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and strategic partners.
  • Promote collaboration across departments to deliver a seamless, student-centered experience.

Data Strategy & Continuous Improvement
  • Leverage data and analytics to inform decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and enhance student outcomes.
  • Establish reporting frameworks to monitor effectiveness, compliance, and student impact.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement, innovation, and scalability.

Other Responsibilities:
  • Adheres to the policies and procedures of Full Sail University
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of company and personnel information
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization
  • Adheres to company attendance standards
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: ☒YES ☐ NO
If YES, then the below applies in addition to those listed in Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff in their department.
  • Oversees the schedules and responsibilities of staff in their department.
  • Provides constructive and timely staff performance evaluations.
  • Follows established guidelines for employee disciplinary action as determined by Full Sail policies and procedures.

Competencies:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex functions and influence institutional direction.
  • Deep knowledge of financial aid programs, compliance frameworks, and industry best practices.
  • Strong understanding of evolving regulatory environments and risk mitigation.
  • Proven experience leading transformation, scaling operations, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
  • Ability to translate data insights into strategic actions.
  • Demonstrated expertise in Veterans Educational Benefits and Federal Financial Aid regulations, including needs analysis, packaging principles, and program administration.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain access to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) in accordance with federal guidelines.
  • Proven ability to work autonomously while effectively managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Education and/or Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Education Leadership or a related discipline.
  • Significant progressive leadership experience in financial aid or a related field within higher education.
  • Demonstrated success in leading large teams, managing complex operations, and driving strategic initiatives.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • N/A

Computer/Equipment Skills:
  • Proficiency with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, CampusVue)
  • Strong Microsoft Office Suite and presentation skills.
  • Comfortability navigating cloud-based systems and learning new software platforms.
  • Ability to navigate digital communication platforms.

Environmental Factors/Physical Demands:
Work is performed in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have the ability to maintain active customer and employee communication; access, input and retrieve information from the computer system; enter alphanumeric data into a computerized system often while listening on the telephone. (May be subject to bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping and lifting up to thirty (30) pounds.)
Full Sail is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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