Director - Financial Aid and Scholarships

Director - Financial Aid and Scholarships

Job Title  | Director - Financial Aid and Scholarships
Full Time/Part Time  | Full Time
FLSA  | Exempt

General Job Description 
This is a managerial position responsible for providing innovative leadership, student advocacy, and strategic resource management to ensure efficient distribution of financial support to the student population. Responsible for strategic financial aid administration that supports student access and success. Represents the university at the national, state, system, regional, and local levels on financial aid matters. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management.

Essential Job Functions 
1. Leads and mentors the department, fostering a collaborative, student-centered environment.
2. Develops and implements comprehensive financial aid strategies that align with the university’s enrollment goals and student success initiatives.
3. Partners with campus stakeholders to enhance financial aid processes and support student retention.
4. Drives innovation in service delivery and technological solutions to improve student experience.
5. Shapes and implements financial aid policies that promote student success while ensuring institutional compliance.
6. Analyzes and interprets federal and state regulations to guide policy decisions.
7. Oversees the strategic management of financial aid resources, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement.
8. Maintains robust internal controls and risk management practices.9. Advocates for initiatives that expand financial access and support student persistence.
10. Guides the development of financial literacy programs and resources.
11. Ensures exceptional service delivery to students, families, and campus partners.
12. Creates welcoming and supportive processes that enhance customer service.
13. Leads system optimization and technology initiatives to enhance service delivery.
14. Directs the planning and implementation of operational procedures.
15. Ensures data-informed decision-making through regular analysis and assessment.
16. Represents the university on financial aid matters at the national, state, system, regional, and local levels.
17. Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, advocating for student needs and institutional priorities.

Non-Essential Job Functions  | Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  | The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
3. Knowledge of financial aid related software and websites related to processing.
4. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
5. Ability to research, interpret, and summarize relevant federal and state laws.
6. Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
7. Ability to work effectively within a complex organization structure.
8. Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with university faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
9. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
10. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
11. Ability to explain policies and procedures to students, staff, and the public.
12. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
13. Ability to train and supervise others.
14. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
15. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
16. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.
17. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

Physical Demands  |
Required Education  | Bachelor’s degree is required.
Required Experience and Training  | Five years of progressive leadership experience in financial aid administration is required. Experience with financial aid management systems and technology is required. Supervisory and managerial experience is required. Cross-functional collaboration experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications  | Master’s degree in higher education administration, business administration, or a related field is preferred. Experience in financial aid at a Texas institution of higher education is preferred.
Special Conditions for Eligibility  | This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.
Min Pay Rate  |
Mid Pay Rate  |
Salary Information  | Salary Grade - 05
Specific Job Requirements/Duties for this Posting  | Applicants must have the ability to access all federal financial aid websites (NSLDS, COD, etc.).
Is Background Check Required?  | Yes

Benefit and Retirement Eligibility  | This position is eligible for participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), subject to the position being full-time and at least 4 ½ months in length, or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

EEO Statement  | Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

Posting Number  | S2025-088
Candidates Eligible to Apply  | Open to all qualified applicants
Number of Positions Available  | 1
Posted Date  | 05/16/2025
Review Start Date  |
Close Date  |
Work Schedule  |
Open Until Filled  | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants  |
Posting Quick Link  | https://careers.sfasu.edu/postings/13044

 Contact Information 

Contact Name  | Kent Willis
Contact Phone  | (936)468-1346
Contact Email  | kent.willis@sfasu.edu
Contact Information  | 

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

 Human Resources Contact Information:
 936-468-2304
hr@sfasu.edu