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Executive Director Financial Aid Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tuskegee University

The Executive Director of Financial Aid Services is also responsible for providing overall leadership in establishing the philosophy and implementation of financial aid policies, procedures and ...

Quest Oracle Community

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office of ... This position reports to the Chief Enrollment Operations Officer and Executive Director of Student ...

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$27.5K

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

As of Sep 15, 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?

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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.

Associate Director, Financial Aid

Fairfield, CT • On-site

Fairfield University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Fairfield Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
The Associate Director of Financial Aid is a key member of Fairfield University's Financial Aid leadership team, supporting the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial aid operations. In alignment with the University's Jesuit, Catholic mission and commitment to cura personalis, this role advances access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service. The Associate Director partners with the Executive Director to implement strategy, oversee core processes, and enhance systems that support efficient and equitable delivery of financial aid.
Job Responsibilities
  • Partner with the Executive Director to support strategic planning, policy development, and operational effectiveness.
  • Provide leadership for day-to-day operations, including staff guidance, workflow coordination, and process improvement.
  • Create and maintain office policies and procedures manual in accordance with federal, state and university policies.
  • Oversee verification and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clear communication.
  • Manage financial aid systems and technology (e.g., Net Partner), including implementation of enhancements and electronic processes.
  • Support institutional reporting requirements, including FISAP, and collaborate with Institutional Research on data analysis and reporting.
  • Prepare audit documents and act as liaison to auditing firm during the annual A-133 audit and/or state audit as needed.
  • Manage state grant program awarding, reconciling and reporting requirements.
  • Lead development and maintenance of financial aid communications, including website content, publications, and outreach materials.
  • Serve as liaison to campus partners to support a coordinated, student-centered approach to service delivery.
  • Assist in the administration of the appeals process and serve on the appeals committee.
  • Advise and counsel students and families regarding financial aid programs, application processes, and financing options.
  • Serve as liaison to the advancement and development office in support of the university endowment selection and awarding process. Maintain and manage the endowment selection process.
  • Collaborate with the university School Certifying Official on matters related to Veteran's Benefits and eligibility.
  • Manage an assigned student caseload and perform file review and verification as needed.
  • Support onboarding, training, and professional development of staff. Conduct performance reviews of direct reports.
  • Present financial aid and financial literacy information at on- and off-campus events.
  • Monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Education, NASFAA, and other professional organizations and implement changes as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
  • Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
  • Experience with financial aid systems and data management.
  • Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing members of the financial aid team.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with PowerFAIDS, Workday Student, or similar systems.
  • Experience with Federal Student Aid Systems such as NSLDS, COD, etc.
  • Experience supervising staff or leading projects/initiatives.
  • Experience in a mission-driven, Jesuit, Catholic, or similarly values-based institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Commitment to Fairfield University's Jesuit, Catholic mission and values, including cura personalis.
  • Strong leadership, collaboration, and team development skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
  • Commitment to ethical practice, equity, and student-centered service.

Work Environment / Conditions
  • Regular access to confidential student financial and academic records.
  • Evening and weekend hours may be required during peak processing periods.
  • Occasional travel may be required.

Category:
Enrollment Management - Admin
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying.
Faculty Positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description.
Staff positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to hr@fairfield.edu

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