Executive Director of Financial Aid

Executive Director of Financial Aid (EDFA) – Alfred University

Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Executive Director of Financial Aid will lead a comprehensive financial aid program for approximately 1,800 students, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while aligning financial aid strategy with institutional enrollment goals.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the enrollment leadership team to align financial aid strategy with institutional initiatives and objectives.
• Collaborate with enrollment leadership team and external partners on enrollment and retention strategies and initiatives.
• Partner with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to balance class size, profile, discount rate, and net‑tuition revenue; provide financial aid optimization models and projections.
• Provide strategic leadership in the development, evaluation, and adoption of financial aid leveraging models.
• Oversee the selection, management, and evaluation of a university financial aid leveraging vendor.
• Serve as the University’s primary compliance agent, overseeing federal and state financial aid program administration and reporting.
• Oversee the A‑133 audit and related remediation efforts.
• Administer timely delivery of student financial assistance at the federal, state, and institutional level.
• Recommend, interpret, and administer financial aid policies ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Monitor changes in state and federal regulations; assess impacts on staff, stakeholders, students, and families.
• Contribute to or complete financial aid surveys and reports (e.g., FISAP, CDS, NCAA).
• Manage the financial aid awarding and verification process within Banner.
• E‑educate campus partners, students, and families on financial aid policies, timelines, and opportunities.
• Propose the annual financial aid departmental operating budget and manage staffing and expenses within approved budget.
• Lead, mentor, and develop financial aid staff, providing supervision, training, and professional development.
• Build a cohesive, capable, and nimble financial aid team emphasizing collaboration and exceptional service.
• Collaborate with marketing communications on student and family engagement messages.
• Work with the Office of Advancement to ensure adherence to endowed scholarship agreements.
• Coordinate with the Office of Admission to train admission counselors on financial aid topics.
• Maintain compliance with NCAA DIII regulations while supporting student athlete recruitment and retention.
• Prepare and present financial aid materials to internal and external audiences, including faculty, staff, alumni, board members, and families.
• Represent Alfred University at professional state, regional, and national organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of progressive leadership and management experience in higher education (advanced degree preferred).
• Strategic critical thinker with knowledge of econometric enrollment models and financial aid leveraging programs.
• Experience crafting financial aid policy and comprehensive understanding of Title IV programs and New York State scholarship and grant programs.
• Background in A‑133 audits, reconciliation, and federal reporting.
• Strong knowledge of financial aid information systems, including Banner, and experience with processing automation.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate, create, innovate, and improve processes for greater efficiency and customer service.
• Experience developing, documenting, and disseminating institutional policies and procedures.
• Proven track record leading a team with a culture of mentorship, cross‑training, empowerment, and accountability.
• Approachable, positive leader who has successfully led change.
• Outstanding oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Collaborative spirit committed to student well‑being and exemplary customer service.
• Familiar with serving students with a highly personalized approach and emotional intelligence.
• Strong interpersonal skills, confidentiality, and ability to work independently.

Compensation

Competitive salary range: $120,000–$140,000, plus benefits and relocation assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Alfred University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

To Apply

Send your resume, a detailed letter of interest, and contact information for five professional references to (email protected) by February 27, 2026 .

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