Job ID: 10084
Job Title: Director of Financial Aid
Location: , IL

Director of Financial Aid

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring compliance with federal, state, accreditor, and institutional regulations while supporting our mission of access, affordability, and student success. This role is directly responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of financial aid packaging, documentation, projections, and disbursements, ensuring students receive the aid they are entitled to without delays or errors.

The Director coordinates with our third-party processor, while retaining full accountability for institutional financial aid operations. The Director actively meets with students to provide individualized advising on FAFSA, funding estimates, and comprehensive financial aid planning.

Reporting

This position will report and work directly under the supervision of the CEO and President.

Aid Packaging, Documentation & Disbursement

• Ensure all student financial aid documentation is timely, complete, accurate, and verified prior to packaging.
• Assign and manage tasks for financial aid advisors to confirm all student files are processed on schedule.
• Oversee and monitor packaging and disbursement of aid, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time processing each term.

Compliance & R2T4 Oversight

• Lead all Return to Title IV (R2T4) processes with strict adherence to federal timelines and institutional policy.
• Ensure timely calculation and processing of R2T4, refunds, and withdrawal-related adjustments.
• Conduct regular audits of student files to identify and resolve errors before disbursement.
• Interpret and apply Title IV, state, and accreditor regulations; maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Confirm student eligibility prior to disbursement of Title IV, HEA funds.
• Partner with third-party processors as defined in contract terms, while maintaining full institutional oversight and accountability.

Leadership & Management

• Supervise, train, and evaluate financial aid advisors, ensuring consistent performance and accountability.
• Maintain financial aid policies, procedures, and manuals to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, attention to detail, and student-first service.
• Work closely with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, and Academic Affairs to support enrollment, retention, and persistence.
• Participate in key institutional events, including orientations, graduation, and open houses.

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare and submit all required reports (e.g., IPEDS, DOE, Safety & Security).
• Monitor aid trends, debt management, and compliance metrics, providing analysis to senior leadership.
• Lead process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve student satisfaction.

Other Duties

• Perform additional related duties as assigned to support the mission of our institute.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Higher Education, Business, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of financial aid administration, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

Abilities/Skills

• Proven expertise in Title IV, state, and institutional aid programs.
• Demonstrated success managing packaging, documentation, projections, disbursements, and R2T4 with precision and timeliness.
• Strong knowledge of compliance, audits, and program review preparation.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data, identify issues quickly, and implement effective solutions.
• Experience with student appointments and counseling on FAFSA, funding estimates, and aid planning.
• Familiarity with SIS/financial aid systems (COD, NSLDS, CPS, etc.) and working with third-party processors.

Application Instructions

To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, resumes and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence to c/o:
Scott Heroldt: sheroldt@kbic.com and/or highered@kbic.com

Applicants are asked to apply online by clicking the “Apply Now” button below.

Contact Information:
Scott Heroldt
Managing Partner & Practice Leader
Kaye/Bassman International Corp.
(972) 265-5311 – Direct

EEO/AA employer