Director of Financial Aid

Job Description

Position: Director of Financial Aid

Department: Student Financial Services

Reports to: Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing & Communications

Classification: Exempt / Full-time, 40 Hours Per Week

Purpose

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and oversight of the College's financial aid operations, ensuring the effective administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs. The Director is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, optimizing financial aid systems and processes, and developing strategies that support student recruitment, affordability, retention, and success.

The Director leads the Office of Financial Aid, including staff supervision, training, and professional development, while fostering a student-centered approach to financial aid services. Working collaboratively with campus partners, the Director ensures that financial aid policies, practices, and resources align with the College's enrollment management objectives and institutional priorities.

About Chestnut Hill College
 Founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1924, Chestnut Hill College is an independent, Catholic institution rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition that fosters equality through holistic education. Distinguished by its strong mission, collegial environment, and dedication to personalized instruction through a small faculty-to-student ratio, the College promotes the spiritual, academic, social, ethical, and moral development of the whole person. Located in the charming Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, it serves a culturally diverse student body.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of the Office of Financial Aid, including staff supervision, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Direct the administration, awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, including Title IV requirements, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), verification, and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4).
• Oversee the preparation and submission of required financial aid reports, including FISAP, IPEDS, audits, and other federal and state reporting requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial aid policies, procedures, operational workflows, and student Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets.
• Monitor financial aid expenditures and allocations, including institutional scholarships, Federal Work-Study funds, and state grant programs.
• Oversee financial aid management systems, including PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, COD, NSLDS, and other applicable platforms, ensuring data accuracy, system integration, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Enrollment Management, Student Accounts, Finance, the Registrar, and Information Technology to support institutional goals and streamline financial aid processes.
• Develop and implement financial aid strategies that support student recruitment, affordability, retention, and enrollment management objectives.
• Provide guidance to students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application requirements, financing options, and complex financial circumstances.
• Monitor changes in financial aid regulations and implement necessary updates to policies, procedures, and systems to ensure continued compliance.
• Ensure the accuracy, security, and confidentiality of student financial aid records in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid on institutional committees and participate in admissions events, orientations, and financial aid workshops, including occasional evening and weekend activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the College's mission and strategic priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and decision-making skills, with the ability to develop and support an effective team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial aid information clearly and effectively to students, families, and institutional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing regulations and institutional needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and financial aid management systems, preferably PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, and Informer or InfoMaker.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information and sensitive financial matters.
• Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Commitment to providing responsive, student-centered service to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the College’s Mission and Core Values, including a shared dedication to inclusive, mission-driven education that supports the development of the whole person.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education financial aid administration, including at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements, including Title IV.
• Eligibility to administer Federal Title IV student financial aid programs in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education administration, business administration, finance, or a related field.
• Experience with financial aid management systems, preferably PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar.

To apply:

Interested candidates should submit application materials via ADP Workforce Now HERE. No phone calls, please.

Chestnut Hill College is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value. To foster an inclusive community and support our diverse student body, we embrace equal access. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. We are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum.