Financial Aid Assistant Director (Student Services Professional IV)
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $6,320 - $6,600 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The salary range for this classification is $6,320 to $9,014 per month.
This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.
The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, this position is a member of the Financial Aid and Scholarships leadership team and provides leadwork oversight of the operations for the office's processing functions. The incumbent oversees the teams responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant completion of behind-the-scenes, high-volume financial aid processes, and will work closely with the team that oversees financial aid system functionality.
The position connects regulatory requirements, business operations, and technology. It is responsible for translating federal, state, CSU, and campus requirements into effective system configuration, processing schedules, quality-control practices, and staff procedures alongside the director and other leadership team members. The incumbent ensures that financial aid data and processes support accurate awarding and disbursement, effective reconciliation and reporting, and a reliable student experience.
This role requires advanced knowledge of financial aid administration, systems and analytical competencies, sound judgment, and the ability to lead multiple operational priorities in a complex and highly regulated environment.
Key Qualifications
- Ability to interpret financial aid requirements and apply them to complex operational circumstances.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee and/or develop staff, organize complex workloads, establish priorities, and ensure accountability for accurate and timely results.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify root causes, assess risk, interpret data, and develop practical solutions.
- Ability to translate regulatory and business requirements into a way students and staff can understand.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and recurring production cycles, adjust priorities quickly, and make sound decisions under time-sensitive conditions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear documentation, reports, recommendations, and presentations for technical and nontechnical audiences.
Education and Experience
- Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in public administration, business administration, information systems, education, or a related field. Additional qualifying professional experience may be considered in accordance with applicable CSU policy.
- At least four years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, including substantial responsibility for financial aid processing, systems operations, compliance, or a closely related functional area.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Two or more years of supervisory or formal lead experience.
- Experience with PeopleSoft.
- Experience working within the California State University system or a comparable public higher education environment.
Deadline & Application Instructions
Applications received by September 25, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee. Interested applicants must attach their most recent resumé/vitae, a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and contact information for three professional references.
Fresno State
California State University, Fresno is one of 22 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through its values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.
Additional Information
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno.
As part of the CSU system, Fresno State is a State of California Employer; as of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California, and all employees are required to reside in California upon date of hire.
Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g. H1-B Visas).