Director of Financial Aid

Director of Financial Aid

Chatham University seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Director of Financial Aid, overseeing all aspects of Federal, State and Institutional Aid for undergraduate and graduate students. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of student financial aid and scholarship programs, ensuring full compliance with all state and federal regulations and aligning aid strategy with the University's enrollment and retention goals.

The Director is a member of the University Cabinet and reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for all financial aid operations, ensuring
• alignment with institutional goals for enrollment and student success.
• Administer, manage, and monitor federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds, ensuring strict compliance with all applicable regulations and audit requirements.
• Supervise the processing, awarding, and disbursement of aid, including complex case resolution.
• Oversee the delivery, implementation, and continuous assessment of financial aid services and systems.
• Manage an annual portfolio of over $50M in endowed, gift, and institutional aid.
• Prepare and submit all required federal, state, and institutional reports, including FISAP, IPEDS, Gainful Employment, NCAA, and others.
• Lead compliance efforts for Return to Title IV (R2T4), verification, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and loan default management.
• Ensure adherence to federal/state consumer disclosure requirements and financial aid regulations.
• Partner with the Business Office to address and resolve audit findings.
• Oversee data integration with internal systems (e.g., Anthology SIS, WorkDay SIS) and external partners, including the Department of Education.
• Monitor student loan default rates and implement borrower support strategies.
• Supervise entrance and exit loan counseling and maintain up-to-date resources on alternative financing.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of award letters and maintenance of student financial aid files.
• Develop and lead financial counseling services for students and families, focusing on affordability, debt management, and loan repayment education.
• Oversee financial aid budgets, document tracking, award disbursement, and revisions within the Anthology/Workday SIS.
• Collaborate with IT to support technical updates and data accuracy in the Financial Aid modules.
• Ensure high-quality, responsive service delivery through in-person, phone, and electronic communication.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Advancement on scholarship awarding, stewardship, and donor reporting.
• Manage the office's operating budget and related financial resources.
• Develop annual financial aid matrices and aid strategies in partnership with Enrollment Management and outside partners, utilizing data analysis and FAFSA trends.
• Supervise and conduct performance evaluations for financial aid staff (three full-time team members).
• Perform additional duties as needed to support effective operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, higher education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• At least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration within higher education.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service abilities with a student-centered mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience in presenting complex information to varied audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data-informed decision making.
• Proficiency with managing financial aid modules within student information systems and knowledge of financial aid software.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive, confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Work Location & Schedule:

This is a full-time, on-campus position based in Pittsburgh, PA. Occasional remote work or flexible arrangements may be considered based on institutional needs.

Salary Range:

$95,000 - $120,000.

40-hour work week.

Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience.

How to Apply:

Applications accepted only via chatham.edu/careers (direct link is ***/jobs/3726192) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Persons of color, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.