Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and oversight of institutional financial aid operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, effective budget management, and student-centered service, while collaborating across campus to implement policies and initiatives that align financial aid and scholarships with institutional, enrollment, recruitment, and retention goals.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of Financial Aid and serve as the functional expert for all federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid and scholarship programs.
• Oversee and support the accurate and timely disbursement and reconciliation of institutional, state, and federal financial aid funds.
• Ensure fiscal accountability and compliance for all financial aid programs, including but not limited to Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work-Study, Direct Loans, VA benefits, and institutional aid.
• Oversee the administration of scholarship programs, the Federal Work-Study Program, and Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits.
• Interpret, implement, and enforce financial aid policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Review and apply professional judgment decisions consistent with regulatory and institutional guidelines.
• Plan, implement, and assess strategic and operational initiatives for the Office of Financial Aid in collaboration with campus partners, including Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other university departments, to ensure effective and efficient student service.
• Design and maintain workflow processes to ensure the timely completion of all financial aid office responsibilities.
• Forecast, monitor, and manage financial aid expenditures; prepare and submit required federal, state, and institutional reports.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of the Federal Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP).
• Direct Financial Aid Office operations, including application processing, communications, counseling, needs analysis, verification, and aid delivery.
• Oversee the processing and awarding of grants, loans, and employment funds for new and continuing students.
• Monitor and manage the annual operating budget for the Office of Financial Aid, in collaboration with the Director of Admissions.
• Coordinate annual reviews and updates to prepare for verification processing and financial aid delivery for each academic year.
• Maintain accurate and compliant financial aid records, including awards, adjustments, appeals, and documentation, in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness by maintaining accurate documentation and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Coordinate institutional responses to internal and external audits related to student financial aid.
• Ensure the PeopleSoft system and all manual processes comply with university, state, federal, and external agency financial aid regulations.
• Maintain and organize program files and documentation to meet Office of Financial Aid Services (OFAS) and audit requirements.
• Organize, prioritize, assign, and monitor work and special projects within the Office of Financial Aid.
• Provide leadership, training, and ongoing support to assigned staff; ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Exercise supervisory authority, including the ability to recommend hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination actions, as well as assign work and address grievances.
• Participate in admissions and enrollment-related events, including open houses and campus visits.
• Develop and execute strategic financial aid plans that align with institutional enrollment, recruitment, and retention goals.
• Foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, cultural awareness, and professional growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least 6 years of relevant experience, or master's degree and 4 years of relevant experience

Pay Range: $68,000.00 - $80,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).