Executive Director of Financial Aid

Wake Forest University seeks a seasoned, collaborative, and service-oriented leader to serve as its next Executive Director of Financial Aid.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Enrollment, the Executive Director will be a visible campus leader and an integral part of the enrollment leadership team. This dynamic leader will spearhead the team of 12 staff members responsible for providing the financial resources necessary for the University to maintain its ability to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, work-study, and subsidized loans for eligible students, and to enroll a socio-economically diverse student body.

Financial aid at Wake Forest is student-centric and values-based. It is expected that the Executive Director will be aligned with the University's goal to make financial aid an even more important part of curating and sustaining a strong learning community with equitable access, as directed in the University's strategic framework, Framing Our Future. In close collaboration with campus stakeholders and academic college leaders, the Executive Director will ensure that financial aid operations and policies are progressive and aligned with the University's enrollment objectives. Additionally, they will partner with the Vice President for Enrollment and other University stakeholders to develop financial aid and net revenue strategies and lead the strategic allocation of institutional aid and scholarship funds to meet goals responsibly. The role also includes ensuring compliance with all institutional, state, and federal financial aid regulations, and collaborating with Wake Forest Athletic Compliance to adhere to NCAA Division I financial aid programs.

Wake Forest is dedicated to educating the whole person and upholding the promise of its motto, Pro Humanitate – for humanity. Wake Forest University is a distinctive institution, combining a rigorous academic liberal arts core for undergraduates, exceptional graduate and professional schools, and innovative research programs for its lively academic community of over 2,700 faculty and 5500 staff, and 9121 students from 50 states and 39 countries. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 50 National Universities and 31st for Best Undergraduate Teaching, Wake Forest is committed to educating students to be bold thinkers who can address the most challenging problems of today's world.

This commitment is manifested through the close student-faculty engagement of a residential liberal arts college with the breadth and resources of a nationally prominent research University. Additionally, the University's membership in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference adds to both the student experience and global reputation. Wake Forest is a place where a vibrant and diverse learning community integrates the pursuit of knowledge, the enjoyment of rich personal development, and a commitment to public service.

The successful candidate will have the experience, leadership, and vision to plan, organize, manage, and direct the Financial Aid office, collaborate closely with Wake Forest colleagues and external constituents, and to provide inspiration to advance the goals of the University to become even more accessible while also sustaining strategies to support students, organizational success, and well-being. The new leader will be an experienced, forward-thinking financial aid administrator who embodies the University's motto, Pro Humanitate ("for humanity"). Embedded in that ideal are the values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. A minimum of 10 years of professional accomplishment in progressive positions in financial aid administration at a college or university is required. At least five years of supervisory experience and a bachelor's degree are also required; an advanced degree is strongly preferred.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Wake Forest University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be submitted by September 20, 2024. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Christy Pratt, Rob Springall, and Jessica Cummings
WakeForestFinancialAid@wittkieffer.com

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by university policies, the university prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

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