Director of Financial Aid Operations
Position Overview: Under the general direction of the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Director of Financial Aid Operations is a senior leader who provides strategic management of the financial aid operational functions. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies.
The Director of Financial Aid Operations collaborates closely with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Admissions staff, and the Vice President for Enrollment to develop, implement, and evaluate financial aid strategies that support the College's enrollment, retention, and student success goals. The position also provides leadership, training, and supervision to financial aid staff while promoting exceptional service to students and families.
This position is responsible for strategic leadership and operational oversight for the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, accurate aid awarding and reconciliation, effective management of specialized aid initiatives, maintenance of PowerFaids and WorkDay financial aid systems, and timely completion of all required federal, state, institutional, and NCAA reporting.
Characteristic Duties & Responsibilities:
Financial Aid Program Administration
- Administer federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies.
- Determine student eligibility for financial assistance and oversee the accurate awarding and disbursement of financial aid funds.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations to minimize audit findings and maintain institutional eligibility for financial aid programs.
- Oversee administration of specialized aid programs, including Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) initiatives such as Ready to Succeed Scholarships, PATH, National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP), Summer State Grants.
- Process Federal Pell Grants and Federal Educational Loans via EDConnect
- Student Aid Monthly Reconciliation
- Annual Federal Student Employment reporting
- FAFSA processing via EDConnect
- NCAA III Annual reporting
- Annual student loan cumulative borrowing reporting including PA Act 69 additions
- Monitor and administer the College's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, including annual review of students' qualitative and quantitative academic performance.
- Maintaining the Financial Aid system in Workday
Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
- Monitor changes in federal and state financial aid regulations and implement necessary procedural and policy updates.
- Utilize professional resources, including NASFAA, PASFAA, Federal Student Aid, and PHEAA, to remain current on regulatory developments.
- Ensure proper handling of confidential student and family information in compliance with FERPA and other applicable privacy regulations.
- Manage resolution of compliance-related matters and support institutional audit and program review activities.
Strategic Leadership and Administration
- Develop and implement financial aid operational strategies that support institutional enrollment and retention objectives.
- Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid and Vice President for Enrollment to establish strategic priorities related to customer service, communication, financial aid awarding, and policy development.
- Develop annual budget recommendations for institutional grant aid, federal funding allocations, and student employment programs.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and regulatory compliance through process improvements and technology enhancements.
- Coordinate annual financial aid calendars, policies, procedures, and operational workflows.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Scholarships and Financial Aid staff.
- Develop and deliver training programs to ensure staff maintain expertise in financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices.
- Oversee staff responsible for FAFSA review, verification, awarding, loan certification, grant processing, and reconciliation activities.
- Foster a collaborative, service-oriented environment focused on student success and operational excellence.
Student and Family Engagement
- Counsel prospective and current students and families regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, eligibility requirements, and financing options.
- Present financial aid information at on-campus programs, recruitment events, and high school visits.
- Develop and manage communication and outreach strategies designed to educate students and families throughout the financial aid process.
Campus Collaboration
- Partner with Enrollment, Admissions, Student Accounts, Registrar, Graduate and Continuing Education, and other campus stakeholders to support institutional goals and enhance student service.
- Collaborate with Student Accounts to resolve processing issues and ensure accurate account reconciliation.
- Work with Graduate and Continuing Education leadership to develop enrollment-supportive financial aid strategies and scholarship opportunities.
Professional Development and Representation
- Represent Muhlenberg College at professional conferences, workshops, and association meetings.
- Participate in professional development activities to maintain expertise in financial aid administration and regulatory compliance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
- Three to Five years of progressive financial aid or related professional finance experience.
- Experience working effectively and supporting inclusion within a diverse community. Diversity, as affirmed in the College’s mission statement, is a fundamental Muhlenberg value.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with students, parents, high school counselors, fellow employees, college administrators, and other College constituents.
- Strong presentation skills to comfortably and effectively speak and present before groups of students and parents.
- Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, Financial Aid software/platforms/technology, and knowledge of PowerFaids, EDConnect, Workday and Slate are strongly preferred.
- Successful completion of satisfactory background checks, including but not limited to child abuse clearance, education, and criminal background required.
Schedule & Benefits: At Muhlenberg, we value work/life balance and are pleased to offer this full-time, year-round position, with the potential for partial remote work and the opportunity for flexible scheduling during off-peak times. Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays (including 3 days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day), vacation (22 days per year), sick leave, paid parental leave, tuition programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, College-provided short-term disability, life insurance, and retirement.
The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences and social sciences; pre-professional programs in law, health and theology; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. A diverse city of 125,000 located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is the third-largest city in the state and is located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The region, also comprising neighboring Bethlehem, Easton and more, is home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, and a rich blend of diverse cuisine. Check out Allentown and Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College to learn more.
To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application will include: (1) a cover letter summarizing qualifications, (2) a curriculum vita, (3) three professional references, and (4) a separate statement speaking to how your professional experience will contribute to a more inclusive community at Muhlenberg. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to valuing and enhancing diversity and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to the diversity of our community. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate against any person based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetics, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, in its education programs and activities, including admissions and employment. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate on the basis of sex as required by Title IX.
Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/annualsecurityreport . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-664-3112.
