Director of Financial Aid

University of Arkansas System

. Provide overall leadership to the Office of Financial Aid .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeBatesville • United StatesLead💰 $56,000 - $61,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial aid administration, regulatory compliance, and budget management while fostering a culture of student success and professional development. Proven ability to lead teams, develop policies, and analyze data to enhance financial assistance programs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Financial Aid LeadershipRegulatory ComplianceBudget DevelopmentData AnalysisSupervisory Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial Aid Policy DevelopmentBudget PreparationResource AllocationPerformance Metrics AnalysisFederal Work-Study Program ManagementKnowledge of FERPAKnowledge of Title IVKnowledge of ADA/Section 504Knowledge of Higher Education AdministrationKnowledge of Financial Aid Delivery

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationConflict ResolutionNegotiationConsensus BuildingLeadership Ability

Tools & Technologies

IPEDS ReportingFISAP ReportingGainful Employment ReportingData Analysis ToolsCurrent Technologies Supporting Academic Operations

Industry Keywords

Student Aid FundsFinancial Assistance ProgramsCollegiate Financial Aid OfficeTwo-Year College OperationsStudent Services Operations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide overall leadership to the Office of Financial Aid
Ensure regulatory compliance and thorough administration of federal, state, and institutional student aid funds
Develop financial aid policy, procedures, and department goals
Manage Financial Aid department staff and daily operations
Coordinate and oversee delivery of financial assistance programs
Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations and modify procedures accordingly
Incorporate innovative trends into financial aid, scholarships, and the Federal Work-Study program
Collaborate with the Financial Aid office and other UACCB departments
Promote professional development and superior customer service
Apportion duties, document performance, take corrective action when needed, and evaluate staff performance
Prepare, submit, and monitor required reports and operating budgets
Prepare audit data and oversee institutional scholarship and Financial Aid department budgets
Complete or provide information for IPEDS, FISAP, Gainful Employment/FVT, and ADHE reports
Analyze and forecast expenditures
Monitor and report Loan Cohort Default Rates to Administration
Advance the Caring Campus culture and support student connection and success

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a collegiate financial aid office or functional equivalent
Supervisory experience with demonstrated leadership ability and management skills
Commitment to the mission of a comprehensive two-year college and understanding of student services operations
Knowledge of higher education administration and financial aid delivery
Knowledge of federal, state, and local higher education policies and regulations, including FERPA, ADA/Section 504, and Title IV
Knowledge of budget development and fiscal management
Knowledge of strategies supporting student access and success
Knowledge of institutional research, data analysis, and performance metrics
Knowledge of current technologies supporting academic operations
Skills in budget preparation, resource allocation, and financial oversight
Skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, and consensus building
Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple departments, initiatives, and complex projects simultaneously
Ability to build and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, students, and community partners
Ability to adapt to changing enrollment trends, workforce needs, and policy environments
Must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment
Must pass a criminal background check and sex offender registry check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits eligible
Equal opportunity employment
Pre-employment background checks conducted in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner