Director of Student Financial Aid

Job title: Director of Student Financial Aid

About the Role This role leads the Student Financial Aid function at WAU, serving on the Enrollment Management Team to drive recruiting, enrollment, and retention by managing financial aid operations and compliance with federal/state funds. The Director will oversee fund coordination, award administration, and strategic planning for aid to support students' access to education.

What You'll Do

• Direct administration of Student Financial Services; identify, establish, and execute short-term and long-range goals; develop and enforce policies and procedures.
• Manage financial clearance processes; evaluate student need; establish aid to be awarded; obtain and authorize federal and state funds for students.
• Maintain financial aid processes; monitor staff effectiveness; interpret federal/state aid regulations; advise staff on policy and issues.
• Prepare federal and state reports; compile data; submit information as requested.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state aid requirements; study programs, policies; enforce adherence.
• Provide information to students/parents via seminars/workshops; counsel students on debt management and financial planning.
• Serve as Veteran’s Affairs Representative; administer veteran benefits; comply with regulations.
• Manage financial aid awards for Adventist Colleges Abroad program.
• Represent SFS by advising EVP for Financial Administration on financial aid matters; participate on committees.
• Maintain professional knowledge by attending workshops; review publications; build networks; participate in professional societies.
• Contribute to team effort; support a spirit of excellence; attend mandatory Convocation every Wednesday.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in related field; four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent.
• Superior command of English grammar and spelling; excellent verbal and written communication; exceptional presentation and public speaking ability.
• Conversational Spanish helpful but not required.
• Ability to analyze financial documents and statistical data; working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency in Student Information Systems.
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; applies logical or scientific methods to problems.
• Must exhibit leadership; capacity for planning, organizing and controlling; advanced skills in team building, motivation, and conflict resolution.

Nice to Have

• Conversational Spanish as a second language is helpful but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $58,000.00 - $68,000.00
• Benefits: WAU’s comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, tuition assistance, and paid leave.
• Compensation Determination: Final salary will be based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.