Director of Financial Aid

Position Summary: Serves as a key member of NGU’s Student Services leadership team and provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction for the Financial Aid Office. Oversees the administration and delivery of the University’s financial aid programs and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and requirements. Develops, implements, and maintains effective policies, procedures, and processes designed to promote regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and exceptional service to students and families. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with departments and colleagues across the University to support student success and institutional objectives. Provides leadership, supervision, development, and accountability for all Financial Aid Office staff and student workers.

Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Foster a professional, welcoming, and service-oriented environment by promoting excellence in customer service across in-person, telephone, and written communications.
• Develop and implement departmental plans, strategic initiatives, and performance goals that align with the University’s mission, institutional priorities, and the direction of senior campus leadership.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Financial Aid staff; establish performance expectations; and promote professional development and accountability.
• Collaborate with institutional leadership to develop and evaluate data-driven institutional scholarship and grant policies that support enrollment, student retention, affordability, and revenue objectives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the awarding, disbursement, monitoring, and reconciliation of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring accuracy, fiscal accountability, and compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies.
• Establish, authorize, and periodically review appropriate access levels for financial aid staff and third-party partners to federal and state financial aid systems, ensuring proper access controls and data security.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly review the University’s Title IV policies and procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable federal requirements.
• Oversee institutional compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations, including the timely and accurate dissemination of required annual disclosures and consumer information.
• In coordination with the Vice President for Student Services, monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting financial aid and lead the implementation of necessary changes to institutional policies, procedures, systems, and practices.
• Ensure the timely and accurate completion and submission of required federal and institutional reports, surveys, and disclosures, including the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) reporting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the University’s annual A-133 audit and other financial aid audits, reviews, and compliance assessments; coordinate documentation, facilitate responses to findings, and oversee the implementation of corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee the accuracy, consistency, and timely updating of financial aid information published on the University website, in official publications, and through other student-facing communications.
• Develop and deliver financial aid training for university personnel involved in student recruitment and enrollment, including Admissions and Athletics, to promote accurate communication of financial aid policies, programs, and requirements.
• Represent the Financial Aid Office at institutional preview days, high school financial aid nights, and other recruitment or outreach events, as needed.
• Support university-wide events and student engagement initiatives, including commencement, New Student Connect, and student check-in activities, as needed.
• Collaborate with Student Services colleagues, including Student Accounts, Academic Records, and NGUcentral, to resolve student portal and account-related issues, coordinate services across departments, and ensure students receive accurate information and timely assistance.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Affirm an understanding of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 and an understanding of the University’s Statement on Human Flourishing.
• The employee must support the university’s mission statement and core values, which include having a firm commitment to living a Christian lifestyle in keeping with biblical models.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or related experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of prior experience in financial aid at least at the assistant or associate director level
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret government regulations and general business publications.
• Ability to work with multiple software systems, such as PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar J1, and Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Excel and Word).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and problem-solve in an environment where frequent interruptions are common.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, depending on office demands.
• Ability to work with confidential information and to adhere to federally required privacy laws (FERPA and HEA).

More information about the position may be found on our website.