STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES - Director for Student Financial Services

Job Classification

  Salaried Administrative

Position summary

The Director for Student Financial Services is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for all functions within the Student Financial Services department. This includes oversight of student accounts, financial aid processing and compliance, budgeting, collections, reporting, and student registration clearance processes.

The Director ensures that the department operates efficiently, maintains compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and provides high-quality service to students and families. Also leads a team of professional and student staff, fosters a culture of accountability and service excellence, and serves as the primary liaison for institutional financial aid matters.

Qualifications summary

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.


• Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in student financial services, financial aid administration, or related higher education finance roles.


• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all Student Financial Services operations, including student accounts and financial aid administration.


• Plan and implement departmental workflows and systems, incorporating technology to improve efficiency and student experience.


• Represent SFS on institutional committees and at internal and external meetings.

Financial Management and Compliance

• Oversee the annual SFS budget and approximately 80 federal financial aid budgets.


• Prepare, present, and defend department budgets; ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines.


• Monitor and enforce adherence to federal, state, and institutional financial policies and regulations.


• Ensure timely submission of required financial aid reports (e.g., FISAP, Program Participation Agreement, SAM.gov, Gainful Employment, State of Michigan reporting).


• Lead preparations for and responses to annual financial aid audits (FORVIS) and federal and state audits.

Student Accounts and Collections

• Oversee collections of current and non-current student accounts for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø University, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Academy, and Ruth Murdoch Elementary School.


• Manage procedures related to account receivables and collections in accordance with institutional policies.

Personnel Management

• Supervise approximately 17 staff members, including associate directors, financial aid advisors, and student workers.


• Hire, train, and develop staff; conduct annual performance evaluations and foster professional growth.


• Conduct regular departmental meetings to communicate goals, review performance, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.

Student Registration & Financial Aid Administration

• Direct SFS-related processes for student registration each semester.


• Review registration exception forms and determine student eligibility in coordination with policy and financial aid status.


• Oversee allocation and disbursement of financial aid in accordance with applicable federal regulations and institutional policies.


• Review and process endowed scholarship awards.

Policy and Communications

• Maintain and regularly update the departmental procedures manual.


• Coordinate revisions of bulletin content related to financial information, ensuring accuracy and alignment with voted policies.


• Draft and communicate financial aid and student account policies as needed.

Other Information

• This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance, stewardship of resources, and the financial well-being of both the institution and its students.


• Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the Vice President for Financial Administration as needed.

Supervisory responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of approximately 17 full-time staff and student workers in financial aid and student accounts functions.


• Responsibilities include hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development.

Ensures alignment of team goals with institutional mission and priorities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.


• Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in student financial services, financial aid administration, or related higher education finance roles.


• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Required Membership

• Must be a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good and regular standing.

Analytical and Communication Skills

• Strong problem-solving abilities and sound financial judgment.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Proven ability to interpret complex regulations and effectively communicate them to varied audiences.

 

 

 


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

Technical Competencies

• High-level computer proficiency, particularly with enterprise systems (e.g., Banner), Microsoft Office, and data management tools.


• Ability to analyze and interpret financial statements, Federal aid regulations, and institutional policies.

Interpersonal interactions

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.


• Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively across departments and with senior leadership.


• Commitment to excellent service and student success.

Physical demands

• Physical Demands:
  
  
  
  • Regular: Sitting, talking, hearing, and extensive computer use.
  
  
  • Occasional: Walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 20 pounds.
  
  
  
  

Work environment

Office-based setting with minimal noise.