Director of Financial Aid

Position Details Position Information

Budget Title Director of Financial Aid

Campus Title Director of Financial Aid

School/Division Finance and Management, Division of Department Financial Aid Office

Staff Sub-Type Staff & Administration

Salary Level SL5

Salary Range $110,000 + depending on experience (DOE)

Salary Determination Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position’s major responsibilities, the applicant’s background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university’s strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.

Position Effort Full-Time

Is this a temporary position? No

Position Summary The Director of Financial Aid reports to the Vice President for Finance and Management and provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all financial aid operations. The Director ensures compliance with federal, New York State, and institutional regulations while advancing equitable access to higher education. Serving as the university’s Chief Title IV Financial Aid Administrator, the Director is responsible for the effective administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

This position leads a team of financial aid professionals, oversees operational processes, develops and implements policies and procedures, and collaborates with colleagues across the University to deliver exceptional service to students and their families. The Director supports university enrollment and student success goals through effective financial aid strategy, administration, and stewardship.

What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work? Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.

Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.

SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university’s state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor’s approval.

Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.

Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings.

Major Responsibilities Leadership and Administration Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Financial Aid Office.

• Serve as the institution’s Chief Title IV Financial Aid Administrator.
• Hire, onboard, and train staff. Provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching. Communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner. Nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development.
• Assign duties to staff based on their roles and adjust assignments as needed. Plan, organize and monitor the progress of work and goal completion.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented culture focused on student success.
• Articulate a vision that unites team members/staff and defined departmental objectives and goals to establish a common purpose. Assess performance metrics, and implement continuous process improvements.
• Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal laws.
• Act as a liaison between staff and senior management, relaying information in both directions. Facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office. Address and help resolve staff issues and workplace concerns.
• Support staff participation in professional development, training, conferences, and professional associations to maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, best practices, and emerging trends.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight Ensure full compliance with all federal Title IV regulations, New York State financial aid programs, system, and institutional policies.

• Interpret, communicate, and implement changes to federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update the Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard financial aid resources and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate audit activities and respond to federal, state, and institutional reporting requirements.

Financial Aid Operations Oversee the accurate and timely processing, verification, awarding, and disbursement of financial aid.

• Monitor student eligibility requirements, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and ensure timely communication r