Assistant Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid

Job Description Job Description

Make a Meaningful Impact on Students' Educational Journeys

Are you a financial aid professional who enjoys leadership, problem-solving, and helping students achieve their educational goals? We are seeking an experienced and collaborative AssistantDirector of Undergraduate Financial Aid to join our leadership team.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to shape the student experience by leading a team of dedicated financial aid counselors, providing guidance on complex financial aid matters, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to the strategic direction of the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office. You'll serve as a trusted resource for students, families, and campus partners while helping create innovative solutions that support student success.

This is an exciting opportunity for a financial aid professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about mentorship, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional service.

What You'll Do

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Supervise, mentor, and support a team of 4-6 financial aid professionals.
• Create and enhance training programs to ensure team members remain current on federal, state, and institutional aid regulations.
• Foster a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
• Establish team goals, monitor performance outcomes, and identify opportunities for growth and development.
• Serve as a member of the Undergraduate Financial Aid leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and operational decision-making.

Support Students and Families

• Serve as an escalation point for complex student and family concerns, providing thoughtful and solution-oriented guidance.
• Build relationships with students and families by helping them successfully navigate the financial aid process.
• Apply sound judgment when interpreting policies and evaluating exception requests.

Collaborate Across Campus

• Partner with key campus departments including Disability Services, Global Education, Student Business Services, the Registrar's Office, and Dean of Students Office.
• Provide expert guidance on financial aid regulations and assist with resolving complex student-related issues.
• Ensure communications, forms, and online resources remain accurate, accessible, and student-friendly.

Drive Compliance and Operational Excellence

• Monitor critical federal, state, and institutional compliance reporting.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, improve processes, and support informed decision-making.
• Participate in annual financial aid setup and planning initiatives.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews and testing to ensure the accuracy of financial aid packaging and processes.

Represent the University

• Present financial aid information at orientation programs, financial aid nights, enrollment events, conferences, and community outreach programs.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and engaging representative of the university both on and off campus.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four years of undergraduate financial aid experience within a public or private nonprofit college or university.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and programs.
• Demonstrated experience providing exceptional service to students, families, and campus partners.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality while adhering to FERPA guidelines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort presenting to both small and large audiences.

Company Description

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California's most diverse and vibrant regions. The university achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities.

Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its education policies or any other policies or programs administered by the university.

Company Description Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California's most diverse and vibrant regions. The university achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities. Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its education policies or any other policies or programs administered by the university.