Executive Director of Financial Aid Services (PA, Bethlehem)

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Associate Director, Assistant Director, Financial Aid Advisors

POSITION SUMMARY: Moravian University is seeking a visionary leader to oversee the financial aid office and lead a team of dedicated professionals in providing comprehensive financial aid services to students and families. The Executive Director of Financial Aid will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance the delivery of financial aid programs and services, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and support the university's commitment to access and affordability in higher education. This senior leadership role is pivotal in providing strategic direction, ensuring compliance with regulations, and effectively managing financial resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the financial aid office, including goal setting, budget management, and resource allocation.

• Oversee the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with university leadership, including the Vice President for Enrollment Management, to develop and implement financial aid strategies to support enrollment goals and student retention efforts across all student populations.
• Supervise and mentor a team of financial aid professionals, including assistant directors, associate directors, and advisors, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline financial aid processes and improve service delivery to students and families.
• Collect and analyze data and trends to assess the effectiveness of financial aid programs and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement financial aid packaging strategies that support enrollment and retention objectives, fostering access and affordability for all students.
• Oversee complex financial aid cases and appeals, ensuring fair and consistent decisions while prioritizing student needs and institutional goals.
• Represent the financial aid office on campus committees and task forces, as well as in external professional organizations and associations.
• Serve as a resource and liaison to other university departments, including admissions, registrar, student accounts, and academic advising, to ensure coordinated support for students throughout their financial aid journey.
• Develop, participate, and train staff in how to effectively present financial aid workshops, orientations, and outreach events to educate students, parents, and the community about financial aid resources and opportunities, including conducting group presentations and workshops on various financial aid topics.
• Collaborate with the university's marketing and communications team to develop outreach materials and communication strategies to promote financial aid opportunities and resources to prospective and current students.
• Stay current on changes in federal and state financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices, and communicate updates to staff and stakeholders as needed.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment, contributing to the overall success of the enrollment management team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, with at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements, including Title IV regulations.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders and build positive relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Proficiency in using financial aid management software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events and deadlines

Join Our Team:

If you're committed to supporting students' access to higher education and making a difference in their lives, Moravian University invites you to join our passionate team. Together, we'll empower students to achieve their academic goals and shape the future of education. Apply now to be part of our mission-driven institution.

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should attach their cover letter and resume to their online application by clicking 'Apply Now'. Please attach documents as a PDF file.

At Moravian University, we are committed to our mission to prepare individuals for reflective lives and leadership in a world of change. To achieve these ideals, we are dedicated to fostering an educational and professional environment that is enriched by individuals of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Job candidates and prospective members of our community are expected to engage, communicate, and collaborate across diverse cultural, social, and academic backgrounds. Additionally, faculty and staff should demonstrate the ability to adapt andragogical or professional methods to the lived experiences and cultural backgrounds of students and colleagues.

Link to our DEI Action Plan: https://www.moravian.edu/dei-action-plan

Deep respect for others is fundamental to the Moravian University community. Moravian University does not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, citizenship status, veteran/military status, disability status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal laws. In compliance with the requirements of Title IX, Moravian University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational program and activity, including admission/employment.

Concerns regarding all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination in admission/employment:

Leah Naso

Dean for Compliance, Training & Development, Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator

1309 Main St. (Room 201)

(610) 861-1529

equalopportunity@moravian.edu

Mailing address:

Moravian University

1200 Main St.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018

Concerns regarding gender and equity in athletics:

Rebecca May

Associate Athletic Director (Deputy Title IX Coordinator)

109 Johnston Hall

Moravian University

1200 Main St.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018

(610) 625-7791

mayr@moravian.edu

Concerns regarding the application of Title IX:

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Civil Rights

100 Penn Square East, Suite 515

Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323

(215) 656-8541

ocr.philadelphia@ed.gov

Report sexual harassment/sex discrimination online anytime (can be anonymous) at www.moravian.edu/titleix . Grievance procedures can be found in the institutional Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Non-Discrimination Policy at www.moravian.edu/policy .

Please visit moravian.edu/benefits to review benefits offered at Moravian University.*

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job.

The individual is routinely exposed to indoor conditions and outdoor weather and temperature extremes, and moderate noise level.

Pursuant to the ADA, Moravian University will provide reasonable accommodation(s) to employees with qualified disabilities in order to perform the essential functions of their position, except when doing so would cause an undue hardship for the University. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis through documentation review and an interactive process that includes the employee's supervisor. Requests for accommodation or questions about this process should be directed to Human Resources at hr@moravian.edu or 610.861.1527. View the standard physical demands for positions at Moravian University. If this position requires additional or different demands, a Human Resources team member will notify you.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

*Please visit this link to review the benefit eligibility status associated with this position.