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Purdue University

Assistant Director, Federal Grants and Work Programs

🇺🇸 Hybrid - West Lafayette, IN

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $63K

💻 Other

🗓️ December 18th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

Purdue University is hiring an Assistant Director, Federal Grant and Work Programs. This role leads the administration of federal aid programs like the Federal Pell Grant and Campus-Based Title IV, ensuring compliance with regulations while collaborating across departments to strengthen financial aid operations and supervise a small team.

Highlights
  • Oversee Federal Pell Grant, Campus-Based Title IV programs, and Return to Title IV (R2T4) processes.
  • Ensure compliance with federal regulations and mitigate institutional risk through policy development and quality control.
  • Collaborate with Purdue IT, Office of the Bursar, and administrative units to improve financial aid operations and reconciliation.
  • Supervise and mentor a small team, providing coaching and professional development.
  • Engage with students, families, and stakeholders to provide financial aid guidance and support outreach efforts.
  • Require deep knowledge of Title IV regulatory requirements and federal aid administration.
  • Must have a bachelor's degree and at least six years of professional administrative experience.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Suite and other software.
  • Anticipated annual salary is $63,000, commensurate with education and experience.
  • Position classified as FLSA Exempt with comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and paid time off benefits.

Assistant Director, Federal Grants and Work Programs Full Description

Job Summary
Assistant Director, Federal Grant and Work Programs
Division of Financial Aid | Purdue University
 
At Purdue University, we believe that access to education transforms lives and drives the world forward. The Assistant Director of Federal Grant and Work Programs plays a vital role in ensuring that access—by leading the administration of federal aid programs that help thousands of Boilermakers achieve their academic goals. In this role, you’ll oversee the Federal Pell Grant, Campus-Based Title IV programs, and Return to Title IV (R2T4) processes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while supporting Purdue’s commitment to excellence and accountability. Working under limited supervision, you’ll serve as a trusted subject matter expert who develops policies, designs quality-control processes, and mitigates institutional risk through effective oversight.
 
You’ll collaborate closely with campus partners in Purdue IT, the Office of the Bursar, and other administrative areas to strengthen financial aid operations, lead reconciliations of federal programs, and maintain up-to-date policies and procedural documentation. You’ll also supervise a small team of professionals, empowering them through coaching, project prioritization, and ongoing professional development.
 
Beyond operational leadership, you’ll engage directly with students, families, and university stakeholders, offering guidance on financial aid matters and contributing to outreach initiatives that enhance awareness and understanding of available resources. As a key member of the Division of Financial Aid’s operations team, your insights will help shape process improvements and drive continual enhancement of service to Purdue students.
 
What We’re Looking For:
  • Deep knowledge of Title IV regulatory requirements and federal aid administration
  • Experience managing large-scale compliance operations or program oversight
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff
  • A collaborative mindset and dedication to serving students with integrity and care
 
Why Purdue:
Purdue University offers more than a career—it’s a place to belong, grow, and make an impact. Here, your expertise shapes national best practices in higher education compliance while supporting a student community known for innovation, inclusion, and achievement. You'll find a culture that values professional development, encourages new ideas, and celebrates the shared mission of helping every Boilermaker succeed.
 
Join us in ensuring access, accountability, and excellence in federal aid management at one of the nation's leading public universities.
 
This is considered a hybrid position where you will work a majority of your time on the West Lafayette campus and the opportunity to work some days remotely.
 
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • A minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in an administrative setting
  • equivalent experience
 
Preferred:
  • Experience in customer service, financial aid or higher education and supervision
 
Skills Needed:
  • Interpersonal communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively orally and through email with a wide-ranging group of students, parents, and colleagues
  • Strong technological skillset (familiarity with software and Microsoft Suite)
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
 
Additional Information:
  • Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility:  Immediate Defined Contribution by the university   
  • Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
 
Career Stream
Professional 4
  • Pay Band S065
  • Job Code #20003137
 
The anticipated annual salary for this position is $63,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.
 
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.