Director of Financial Aid - CSU San Jose
Another Source, San Jose, CA, United States
At a glance
Now Hiring: Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships San José State University | San Jose, CA (Onsite) $145K–$155K + Exceptional CSU BenefitsAnother Source’s client, San José State University, is seeking a strategic and student-focused Director of the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office to lead one of the most impactful teams supporting student access and success at the founding campus of the California State University system.Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU serves 36,000+ students and administers $420M+ in financial aid annually. This highly visible leadership role will guide a team of ~20 professionals while shaping financial aid strategy that supports enrollment, equity, and student persistence.✨ Why this role stands out:
• Lead strategy for a major financial aid operation impacting 38K+ students • Join a nationally recognized university deeply connected to Silicon Valley innovation • Competitive salary $145K–$155K plus CSU benefits adding ~30–35% to total comp • 24 vacation days, strong retirement options (CalPERS or 403b), medical benefits • Tuition waivers for employees and eligible family members across all 23 CSU campuses
This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role following the retirement of a long-tenured director and help shape the future of student access at one of California’s most dynamic universities.
If you’re a financial aid leader in higher education ready to make a large-scale impact, let’s connect.
Description: What you'll be doing Another Source's client,
San José State University , is recruiting a
Director of the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
to join their team in
San Jose, California . This is an
onsite leadership role based on campus five days per week .
Here’s a little about San José State University:
Founded in 1857, San José State University (SJSU) is the founding campus of the California State University system and a nationally recognized public university located in the heart of Silicon Valley. SJSU serves more than 36,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is known for its strong commitment to access, social mobility, and student success.
The university is deeply connected to the innovation ecosystem of Silicon Valley, preparing students to thrive in a global economy while fostering inclusive excellence. SJSU’s Division of Student Affairs plays a critical role in supporting student success through comprehensive services that promote access, persistence, and graduation.
About this role:
This opportunity comes at a pivotal moment for the university as the long-tenured leader of the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office retires after 36 years of service. The next Director will build on a strong foundation while bringing fresh perspective, innovation, and strategic leadership to one of the most impactful units supporting student access and success.
Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Director leads the overall strategy, administration, and compliance of financial aid and scholarship programs serving more than 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students annually. The office administers more than $350M in federal aid, $70M in state aid, and thousands of scholarships each year, making this a highly visible leadership role that directly supports enrollment goals and student persistence.
The Director will guide a team of approximately 20 staff members, oversee operational effectiveness, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner across campus to deliver equitable, student-centered financial aid services.
Scope & Impact Financial Aid & Scholarship Leadership Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office, administering over $420M in federal and state aid annually along with approximately 3,500 scholarships
Ensure effective administration and compliance for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs including grants, work‑study, and federal loan programs
Oversee processes including eligibility verification, awarding, reconciliation, reporting, satisfactory academic progress monitoring, and financial counseling
Serve as the university’s subject matter expert on financial aid regulations and ensure alignment with federal, state, CSU, and institutional policies
Lead continuous improvement of financial aid processes, systems, and communication tools to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency
Maintain strong partnerships with units such as the Bursar’s Office, Finance, Housing, Academic Advising, Athletics, and campus foundations to support students from admission through graduation
Represent the university at professional conferences, campus committees, and community engagements
Strategic Planning & Student Success Serve as a member of the Enrollment Management Leadership Team and contribute to divisional and institutional planning
Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align financial aid operations with enrollment and student success goals
Utilize benchmarking, assessment, and best practices to improve services, communication, and use of technology
Analyze operational data and reporting to inform strategic decisions and improve outcomes for students
Support outreach efforts and financial literacy initiatives that help students and families understand and access financial resources
Team Leadership & Organizational Development Lead, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 20 professional staff members, including managers, financial aid counselors, coordinators, and administrative staff
Directly supervise senior team members while providing overall leadership and direction for the office
Foster a collaborative culture centered on service excellence, innovation, transparency, and professional development
Support staff engagement through regular communication, coaching, and opportunities for professional growth
Ensure compliance with CSU policies, HR practices, and collective bargaining agreements
Fiscal & Resource Management Manage a departmental operating budget of approximately $1.5M from multiple funding sources
Monitor expenditures, ensure fiscal accountability, and implement performance measures
Prepare funding proposals and cost-benefit analyses for program and operational improvements
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to maximize resources and enhance student services
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Five years of progressively responsible management experience in financial aid within a higher education environment
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, CSU, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies
Experience supervising and developing professional staff in a financial aid setting
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support student success and enrollment goals
Experience analyzing operational data and implementing improvements to processes, systems, or services
Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple campus units
Experience managing budgets and financial resources
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial aid within higher education
Experience working with student information systems, database tools, and financial aid processing technologies
Demonstrated experience leveraging technology, automation, and analytics to enhance financial aid operations and reporting
Compensation & Benefits The anticipated salary range for this role is
$145,000 – $155,000 annually , depending on experience.
Why a Career with CSU is for You: The CSU system offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet you where you're at in life and typically adds 30–35% to your total compensation package. For more information on programs available, take a closer look in the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf
Emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance with ample PTO and flexibility, which includes up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group/services)
Enjoy the vibrant campus life with access to athletic and gym facilities, renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers
Numerous professional development opportunities to advance your career including tuition waivers for yourself, a spouse, registered domestic partner or an eligible dependent child across any of the 23 CSU campuses
Two different retirement plans catered to fit your personal saving goals: CalPERS Retirement Plan or 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)
Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages
We recognize that transportation to and from work can be expensive and we are here to help support you with pre-tax commuter benefits
San José State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
• Lead strategy for a major financial aid operation impacting 38K+ students • Join a nationally recognized university deeply connected to Silicon Valley innovation • Competitive salary $145K–$155K plus CSU benefits adding ~30–35% to total comp • 24 vacation days, strong retirement options (CalPERS or 403b), medical benefits • Tuition waivers for employees and eligible family members across all 23 CSU campuses
This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role following the retirement of a long-tenured director and help shape the future of student access at one of California’s most dynamic universities.
If you’re a financial aid leader in higher education ready to make a large-scale impact, let’s connect.
Description: What you'll be doing Another Source's client,
San José State University , is recruiting a
Director of the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
to join their team in
San Jose, California . This is an
onsite leadership role based on campus five days per week .
Here’s a little about San José State University:
Founded in 1857, San José State University (SJSU) is the founding campus of the California State University system and a nationally recognized public university located in the heart of Silicon Valley. SJSU serves more than 36,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is known for its strong commitment to access, social mobility, and student success.
The university is deeply connected to the innovation ecosystem of Silicon Valley, preparing students to thrive in a global economy while fostering inclusive excellence. SJSU’s Division of Student Affairs plays a critical role in supporting student success through comprehensive services that promote access, persistence, and graduation.
About this role:
This opportunity comes at a pivotal moment for the university as the long-tenured leader of the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office retires after 36 years of service. The next Director will build on a strong foundation while bringing fresh perspective, innovation, and strategic leadership to one of the most impactful units supporting student access and success.
Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Director leads the overall strategy, administration, and compliance of financial aid and scholarship programs serving more than 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students annually. The office administers more than $350M in federal aid, $70M in state aid, and thousands of scholarships each year, making this a highly visible leadership role that directly supports enrollment goals and student persistence.
The Director will guide a team of approximately 20 staff members, oversee operational effectiveness, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner across campus to deliver equitable, student-centered financial aid services.
Scope & Impact Financial Aid & Scholarship Leadership Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office, administering over $420M in federal and state aid annually along with approximately 3,500 scholarships
Ensure effective administration and compliance for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs including grants, work‑study, and federal loan programs
Oversee processes including eligibility verification, awarding, reconciliation, reporting, satisfactory academic progress monitoring, and financial counseling
Serve as the university’s subject matter expert on financial aid regulations and ensure alignment with federal, state, CSU, and institutional policies
Lead continuous improvement of financial aid processes, systems, and communication tools to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency
Maintain strong partnerships with units such as the Bursar’s Office, Finance, Housing, Academic Advising, Athletics, and campus foundations to support students from admission through graduation
Represent the university at professional conferences, campus committees, and community engagements
Strategic Planning & Student Success Serve as a member of the Enrollment Management Leadership Team and contribute to divisional and institutional planning
Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align financial aid operations with enrollment and student success goals
Utilize benchmarking, assessment, and best practices to improve services, communication, and use of technology
Analyze operational data and reporting to inform strategic decisions and improve outcomes for students
Support outreach efforts and financial literacy initiatives that help students and families understand and access financial resources
Team Leadership & Organizational Development Lead, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 20 professional staff members, including managers, financial aid counselors, coordinators, and administrative staff
Directly supervise senior team members while providing overall leadership and direction for the office
Foster a collaborative culture centered on service excellence, innovation, transparency, and professional development
Support staff engagement through regular communication, coaching, and opportunities for professional growth
Ensure compliance with CSU policies, HR practices, and collective bargaining agreements
Fiscal & Resource Management Manage a departmental operating budget of approximately $1.5M from multiple funding sources
Monitor expenditures, ensure fiscal accountability, and implement performance measures
Prepare funding proposals and cost-benefit analyses for program and operational improvements
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to maximize resources and enhance student services
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Five years of progressively responsible management experience in financial aid within a higher education environment
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, CSU, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies
Experience supervising and developing professional staff in a financial aid setting
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support student success and enrollment goals
Experience analyzing operational data and implementing improvements to processes, systems, or services
Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple campus units
Experience managing budgets and financial resources
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial aid within higher education
Experience working with student information systems, database tools, and financial aid processing technologies
Demonstrated experience leveraging technology, automation, and analytics to enhance financial aid operations and reporting
Compensation & Benefits The anticipated salary range for this role is
$145,000 – $155,000 annually , depending on experience.
Why a Career with CSU is for You: The CSU system offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet you where you're at in life and typically adds 30–35% to your total compensation package. For more information on programs available, take a closer look in the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf
Emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance with ample PTO and flexibility, which includes up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group/services)
Enjoy the vibrant campus life with access to athletic and gym facilities, renowned sporting events, artist events, and world-renowned speakers
Numerous professional development opportunities to advance your career including tuition waivers for yourself, a spouse, registered domestic partner or an eligible dependent child across any of the 23 CSU campuses
Two different retirement plans catered to fit your personal saving goals: CalPERS Retirement Plan or 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)
Medical benefits tailored to support various life stages
We recognize that transportation to and from work can be expensive and we are here to help support you with pre-tax commuter benefits
San José State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.
#J-18808-Ljbffr