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Gonzaga University · 15 hours ago

Director of Financial Aid

Spokane, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

Gonzaga University is seeking a Director of Financial Aid to lead the strategic and operational functions of its financial aid programs. This role involves providing senior-level leadership in compliance, technology, and student services while managing a high-performing team and overseeing departmental budgets to support institutional enrollment and student success goals.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Culture & Values

Responsibilities

Provide senior-level oversight of all financial aid operations, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy, enrollment goals, and regulatory requirements

Analyze trends in higher education and financial aid to guide long-term departmental planning and decision-making

Lead cross-functional initiatives with Enrollment Management, Finance, Student Affairs, and IT to optimize student financial support systems and enhance operational efficiency

Develop and execute strategic projects, including process redesign, technology implementation, and workflow improvement, to advance departmental performance

Represent the financial aid office in institutional and external forums, maintaining awareness of national best practices and emerging trends

Identify and manage risk related to compliance, operations, and technology, and implement solutions to mitigate potential issues

Directly supervise and develop a team of financial aid professionals, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture

Lead regular team meetings, one-on-one coaching sessions, and performance evaluations to ensure clear expectations, accountability, and professional growth

Ensure staff have access to the resources, technology, equipment, and time needed to perform their work efficiently and effectively

Design and implement training programs to maintain expertise in financial aid regulations, systems, and customer service practices

Promote an inclusive, supportive work environment that values diversity and encourages engagement and professional development

Identify and address gaps in staffing, skills, or workflow, creating solutions to improve team performance and operational efficiency

Recognize and celebrate staff contributions to build morale and reinforce the department's mission

Maintain overall responsibility for compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, ensuring all operations meet legal and policy standards

Provide oversight and guidance for the development, updating, and implementation of policies, procedures, and operational processes to ensure consistency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance

Review and interpret audits, program reviews, and accreditation guidelines, implementing corrective actions and communicating changes to staff and leadership

Qualification

Financial Aid ComplianceStrategic LeadershipTeam DevelopmentTechnology ImplementationOperational EfficiencyCustomer Service PracticesDiversityInclusion