Director of Financial Aid

University of Arkansas System

. Provide overall leadership to the Office of Financial Aid .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeBatesville • United StatesLead💰 $56,000 - $61,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in financial aid administration, regulatory compliance, and budget management while fostering a collaborative environment that supports student success and professional development.

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 PoliciesBudget PreparationResource AllocationPerformance MetricsConflict ResolutionNegotiationData AnalysisStudent Services OperationsKnowledge of FERPAKnowledge of Title IV

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationLeadership AbilityCustomer ServiceCollaborationAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

ColleagueWorkdayIPEDSFISAPGainful Employment/FVTADHE Reporting

Industry Keywords

Higher Education AdministrationFinancial Aid DeliveryStudent Financial Aid ProgramsInstitutional ResearchFiscal Management

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 and modify financial aid policies, procedures, and departmental goals
Direct daily operations and oversee delivery of financial assistance programs
Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations and incorporate innovative trends into financial aid, scholarships, and Federal Work-Study
Manage Financial Aid staff, apportion duties, document performance issues, take corrective action when needed, and evaluate performance
Promote professional development, high ethical standards, superior customer service, and collaboration across UACCB departments
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, support student connection and success, participate in campus events, and maintain a collaborative workplace

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
Understanding of the different components of a student services operation
Knowledge of higher education administration and financial aid delivery
Knowledge of FERPA, ADA/Section 504, Title IV, and other federal, state, and local regulations
Knowledge of budget development and fiscal management
Knowledge of institutional research, data analysis, performance metrics, and current technologies supporting academic operations
Skills in budget preparation, resource allocation, financial oversight, 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 relationships with faculty, staff, students, and community partners
Ability to adapt to changing enrollment trends, workforce needs, and policy environments
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment
Criminal background check and sex offender registry check required
Preferred: Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Public Administration, Business, or related field
Preferred: Five or more years of experience in a collegiate financial aid office with progressive increase in responsibility
Preferred: Thorough knowledge of Title IV student financial aid programs, operations, reporting requirements, terminology, and software
Preferred: Experience with a student information system such as Colleague or Workday

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits eligible
Equal opportunity employment
Pre-employment criminal background check and sex offender registry check conducted confidentially and non-discriminatorily