Excelsior College
Executive Director- Student Financial Services
Excelsior College, Albany, New York, United States
The Executive Director of Student Financial Services serves as a senior leader within the Enrollment Management and Marketing division, providing strategic oversight and operational leadership across Financial Aid, Bursar Services, and Military and Veterans Benefits. This role is central to advancing institutional goals through cross‑functional collaboration, data‑informed decision‑making, and student‑centered service.
The Executive Director ensures compliance with federal, state, institutional regulations related to student aid, scholarships, loans, and military benefits. They lead key audits—including the annual FSA Single Audit—and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and the U.S. Department of Education. A strong commitment to financial aid integrity and fraud prevention is essential, with responsibility for implementing safeguards, monitoring risk indicators, and ensuring ethical stewardship of all aid programs. This position requires deep expertise in Federal Student Aid (FSA) program administration, including student counseling, need analysis, satisfactory academic progress, aid packaging, loan origination and disbursement, and fiscal reconciliation.
The Executive Director drives process improvement, regulatory compliance, and initiatives that support student success, retention, and satisfaction. Collaboration is essential. The Executive Director works closely with colleagues across Enrollment Management—including Admissions, Registrar, Advising, and Marketing—as well as academic departments and student support services to improve registration outcomes, support enrollment growth, and elevate student experience. This role also champions a culture of belonging, ensuring that financial services are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the student population.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Provide visionary leadership aligned with the University’s mission and strategic priorities
Develop long‑term plans to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and student satisfaction
Advise senior leadership on financial aid, student accounts, and Veteran benefits
Build strong partnerships across campus to integrate financial services with broader student success strategies
Promote a culture of belonging, ensuring all students feel respected, supported, and valued
Operational Oversight
Lead integrated operations across financial aid, student accounts, and military/Veteran billing
Monitor performance metrics to drive continuous improvement
Maintain a regulatory calendar to ensure timely execution of key processes
Compliance, Integrity & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with Title IV, FERPA, and other applicable regulations
Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and regulatory agencies
Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to proactively address issues
Uphold financial aid integrity by implementing fraud prevention protocols and ethical oversight practices
Financial Stewardship
Oversee budget planning and resource allocation
Coordinate reconciliation of aid disbursements and student accounts
Support enrollment and retention through strategic aid packaging and tuition management
Technology & Systems Integration
Lead implementation and optimization of financial systems
Collaborate with ITS and other departments to ensure data integrity and system interoperability
Team Development & Culture
Supervise and mentor department leaders and staff
Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence
Deliver professional development and foster an inclusive, respectful environment
Encourage team practices that reflect empathy, equity, and cultural awareness
Student‑Centered Service
Champion a student‑first approach to financial services
Resolve complex student issues with empathy and sound judgment
Collaborate with campus stakeholders to align financial services with broader student support
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience, including leadership roles within financial aid, student financial services, or enrollment management at an accredited institution
Experience with PowerFAIDS and a commitment to supporting diverse adult learners in distance education
Strong collaborative leadership and management skills
Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Student Information Systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
The hiring salary range for this position is $110,000.00 – $122,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University’s good faith estimate at the time of posting.
Application Information If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238.
Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.
AA/EOE/ADA Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
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The Executive Director ensures compliance with federal, state, institutional regulations related to student aid, scholarships, loans, and military benefits. They lead key audits—including the annual FSA Single Audit—and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and the U.S. Department of Education. A strong commitment to financial aid integrity and fraud prevention is essential, with responsibility for implementing safeguards, monitoring risk indicators, and ensuring ethical stewardship of all aid programs. This position requires deep expertise in Federal Student Aid (FSA) program administration, including student counseling, need analysis, satisfactory academic progress, aid packaging, loan origination and disbursement, and fiscal reconciliation.
The Executive Director drives process improvement, regulatory compliance, and initiatives that support student success, retention, and satisfaction. Collaboration is essential. The Executive Director works closely with colleagues across Enrollment Management—including Admissions, Registrar, Advising, and Marketing—as well as academic departments and student support services to improve registration outcomes, support enrollment growth, and elevate student experience. This role also champions a culture of belonging, ensuring that financial services are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the student population.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Provide visionary leadership aligned with the University’s mission and strategic priorities
Develop long‑term plans to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and student satisfaction
Advise senior leadership on financial aid, student accounts, and Veteran benefits
Build strong partnerships across campus to integrate financial services with broader student success strategies
Promote a culture of belonging, ensuring all students feel respected, supported, and valued
Operational Oversight
Lead integrated operations across financial aid, student accounts, and military/Veteran billing
Monitor performance metrics to drive continuous improvement
Maintain a regulatory calendar to ensure timely execution of key processes
Compliance, Integrity & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with Title IV, FERPA, and other applicable regulations
Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and regulatory agencies
Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to proactively address issues
Uphold financial aid integrity by implementing fraud prevention protocols and ethical oversight practices
Financial Stewardship
Oversee budget planning and resource allocation
Coordinate reconciliation of aid disbursements and student accounts
Support enrollment and retention through strategic aid packaging and tuition management
Technology & Systems Integration
Lead implementation and optimization of financial systems
Collaborate with ITS and other departments to ensure data integrity and system interoperability
Team Development & Culture
Supervise and mentor department leaders and staff
Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence
Deliver professional development and foster an inclusive, respectful environment
Encourage team practices that reflect empathy, equity, and cultural awareness
Student‑Centered Service
Champion a student‑first approach to financial services
Resolve complex student issues with empathy and sound judgment
Collaborate with campus stakeholders to align financial services with broader student support
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience, including leadership roles within financial aid, student financial services, or enrollment management at an accredited institution
Experience with PowerFAIDS and a commitment to supporting diverse adult learners in distance education
Strong collaborative leadership and management skills
Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Student Information Systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
The hiring salary range for this position is $110,000.00 – $122,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University’s good faith estimate at the time of posting.
Application Information If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238.
Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.
AA/EOE/ADA Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
#J-18808-Ljbffr