Director of Financial Aid

Job Information

Job No: 26042
Department: Financial Aid Administration
Work Type: Staff – Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Admissions, Finance, Student Affairs, Financial Services

Position Summary

The Director of Financial Aid leads Michigan Tech’s financial aid team, overseeing more than $120 million in aid disbursement and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. This role drives process improvement, supports enrollment growth, and serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management team.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Oversee all operations of the Financial Aid office, including supervision of staff, disbursement of aid, and operational compliance.
• Manage $70 million in scholarship administration and $50 million in loan administration.
• Administer a $500,000 departmental budget.
• Collaborate with Executive Director of Admissions and Director of Operations and Finance to leverage scholarship programs and increase student yield.
• Lead and inspire a team of approximately 10 full‑time staff members.
• Provide financial aid counseling to prospective and current students on‑campus and at regional
  ational admissions events.
• Participate in strategic financial aid leveraging and liaise with stakeholders and consultants.
• Coordinate with alumni, advancement, and finance to ensure timely administration of sponsored awards.
• Work with enrollment communications to provide accurate information on the financial aid process.
• Prepare and complete federal, state, and institutional reports, audits, data requests, and surveys.
• Serve on committees for Scholastic Standards, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and NCAA Compliance.
• Act as lead compliance officer for Title IV, NCAA, state, institutional, and donor‑funded financial aid.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives and apply safety knowledge to daily work.

Required Experience

• Seven years of progressive experience in education, financial services, non‑profit administration, or a closely related field.
• Three years of supervisory experience with professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a budget.
• Experience complying with rules and regulations in a financial setting similar to financial aid.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Nine years of progressive professional experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective communication of complex information to students, staff, parents, donors, and stakeholders.
• Critical‑thinking and agile problem‑solving skills.
• Quantitative analysis and resource management skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and demonstrate a caring, proactive attitude.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent customer interaction and interpersonal skills.
• Judgment in handling confidential information.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Independent organization, prioritization, and completion of multiple assignments.
• Data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Knowledge of the Banner student database.
• Knowledge of sponsored scholarships.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Typical office setting with low to moderate noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti‑Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training
• Background check required prior to final offer.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Salary and Employment Terms

• Minimum salary: $85,000; final salary depends on experience and qualifications.
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Full‑Time Equivalent: 100%
• Appointment Term: 12 months
• Shift: Not specified

Equal Opportunity Statement

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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