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Title: Director of Financial Aid - 999616

Position Number: 999616

Unit/Department: Student Financial Planning

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Department Summary:

The Finance division consists of the finance and accounting administrative functions of the University and includes the offices of Accounting, Treasury Management, Budgeting, Student Accounts, Payroll, and the Student Financial Aid Office. The Student Financial Aid Office coordinates and administers the various scholarship, grant, loan, and need-based employment programs offered to students at Drake University. The Office is a committed team of financial aid professionals who collaborate to deliver excellent service in increasingly relevant, effective and efficient ways. You can learn more about the important work the office does at: https://www.drake.edu/finaid/

Job Summary:

The Director of Financial Aid serves as a leader in Drake’s enrollment and revenue management by directing and evaluating financial aid strategy that promotes access to a Drake education in alignment with the university’s mission and strategic plan. The Director works in unison with the Office of Admissions and contracted financial aid optimization consultants in the development and execution of each year’s first year and transfer awarding plan. The Director also coordinates and provides guidance as needed regarding financial aid strategy for graduate and professional programs. The Director will have the opportunity to significantly influence the successful implementation of Workday’s financial aid system.

The Director oversees and is responsible for compliance of all financial aid programs for Drake, including Federal, State, and institutional programs. The Director leads the Financial Aid Office consisting of a staff of eight. The Director reports to the University’s CFO and serves as one of five members of the Finance leadership team that provides oversight and strategic direction to the Finance staff. The Director of Financial Aid is expected to support the University Continuous Improvement Plan initiatives and live out the University Core Values.

Minimum Qualifications:

3-5 of relevant financial aid experience, including leadership of a Financial Aid Office

Bachelor’s degree

In depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and compliance requirements

Exceptional Microsoft Excel and general computer skills

Ability to work collaboratively with others

Strong analytical skills

Strong data management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Ellucian’s Banner, Workday, or similar ERP systems

Experience within private higher education financial aid

Job Duties:

+ 25% - Serve as a leader in Drake’s enrollment and revenue management by directing and evaluating financial aid strategy that promotes access to a Drake education in alignment with the university’s mission and continuous improvement plan. Provide oversight of financial aid awarding models. Work in unison with the Office of Admission and contracted financial aid optimization consultants in the development and execution of each year’s first year and transfer awarding plan. Coordinate and provide guidance as needed to units regarding financial aid strategy for graduate and professional programs. - (Essential)

+ 20% - Research, interpret, analyze, apply, and explain complex federal, state, institutional and outside agency regulations regarding the administration of financial aid programs, and ensure institutional compliance. Certify and reconcile all state of Iowa financial aid programs. Create and maintain written policies and procedures. Create and maintain cost of attendance budgets for all programs. Oversee the annual compliance audit and required reports. In conjunction with Human Resources, administer Drake’s tuition exchange programs. Connect with professional networks and share (as applicable) laws, rules, and regulations with parents, students, and campus constituents. - (Essential)

+ 20% - Lead the financial aid staff in the delivery of exemplary customer service and evaluate and improve processes that enhance and serve the student/parent financial aid experience. Directly supervise the Associate Director, and other financial aid staff as may be appropriate, and participate in goal setting and evaluation of all staff with professional standing. Evaluate Financial Aid Office staffing needs and oversee hiring and onboarding. - (Essential)

+ 10% - Model continuous learning and assist with the training and professional development of financial aid staff to help ensure they maintain knowledge of federal, state and institutional regulations, policies and procedures related to the administration of financial aid programs at Drake University. Provide leadership in the use of systems to build efficiencies in financial aid delivery and maintain current knowledge of trends and technological advances in financial aid management. - (Essential)

+ 10% - Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with the schools, colleges, departments, and university leadership; serve on committees and participate in governance; work with federal, state, and local professionals, organizations and commissions concerned with financial assistance in higher education. Inform and support the work of the advancement officers and the schools and colleges in the acquisition and distribution of restricted and endowed scholarships. - (Essential)

+ 10% - Forecast, monitor, and report on the institutional aid budget. Manage the Financial Aid Office operating budget. - (Essential)

+ 5% - As needed, prepare financial aid offers and review financial aid appeals. This position is authorized to perform professional judgment decisions on a case-by-case basis. - (Essential)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.

Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2025 (https://www.drake.edu/media/departmentsoffices/humanresources/documents/2025%20Benefits%20Guide11.13.2024.pdf) . One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits (https://www.drake.edu/hr/benefitsoverview/tuitionbenefits/)