Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Job Description: At SUNY Oneonta, we are hiring for a Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, a key campus leader who will guide the University's financial aid strategy and operations. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Initiatives, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, managing staff, administering federal, state, and institutional aid programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding scholarship strategy, while overseeing daily operations, system integrity, policy development, and serving as the campus expert on financial aid and enrollment implications. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is a vital partner in SUNY Oneonta's strategic enrollment efforts, working collaboratively across campus to support recruitment, retention, and degree completion. The team administers a comprehensive range of aid programs and distributes more than $65 million annually to approximately 5,500 students. Services include need-based aid, merit scholarships, student employment, and loans, all supported by dedicated advisors who guide students through the financial aid process. The department also upholds essential policies, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, protects student rights, and contributes to initiatives that promote financial literacy and long-term student success. To learn more about the University and the department, please visit and Duties include but are not limited to: Providing leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the University's Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, including staff supervision, budgeting, and daily operations. Administering all institutional, federal, and state financial aid programs, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and high-quality service delivery. Guiding campus-wide scholarship and grant-strategy development to support recruitment, retention, and student success goals. Supervising, training, and leading a high-performing financial aid team. Managing daily operations, including system upgrades, data integrity, and student information systems, ensuring effective workflow, professional development, and continuous improvement. Serving as the subject matter expert for campus stakeholders on financial aid policy, regulations, and strategic implications for enrollment. Overseeing all regulatory reporting requirements with accuracy and timeliness. Ensuring compliance with Title IV, New York State, SUNY, and institutional policies. Foster strong partnerships with Enrollment Services, Student Accounts, Admissions, Academic Affairs, and other campus units. Representing the Financial Aid Office at the administrative level and participate in strategic planning discussions. Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and long-range planning for the financial aid office to optimize aid delivery. Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 commensurate with experience. SUNY Oneonta is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer. Information on SUNY's comprehensive benefits offerings can be found at Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Minimum of five years of supervisory or managerial experience in an assistant director, associate director, or director-level financial aid role at a Title IV-eligible U.S. institution. Demonstrated experience supervising and managing staff. Experience coordinating federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarship programs. Experience advising senior institutional leadership on financial aid strategy and its role in enrollment management and student success. Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and resolve situations professionally. Evidence of commitment to high-quality customer service. Experience using integrated student information systems. Excellent written communication skills. Preferred: Master's degree from an accredited college/university. At least five years of experience as a financial aid director (or equivalent). Knowledge of and experience administering New York State programs such as TAP and APTS. Experience with Ellucian Banner Financial Aid. Experience collaborating with senior leadership on enrollment-focused initiatives. Experience identifying operational challenges, implementing solutions, managing projects, and improving efficiency through technology. Experience working with and serving diverse populations. Additional Information: SUNY Oneonta enrolls about 5,500 students who pursue bachelor's or master's degrees or certificates in one of 70-plus academic programs. Known as an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, SUNY Oneonta is a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially, and live purposefully. The university is located in the City of Oneonta, nestled in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains about a four-hour drive from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. With a population just shy of 14,000, Oneonta is one of the 20 Most Picturesque Small Towns in America, according to Microsoft News. The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking year-round. Each season offers outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and skiing. Employees give SUNY Oneonta high marks for work/life balance, management, and culture. The university's indeed.com rating is 4.4, with one recent review noting that the people are what make SUNY Oneonta so special. SUNY Oneonta values a diverse university community. Please visit our website on diversity at: Moreover, the University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. "At SUNY Oneonta, we believe that diversity is an asset and a source of strength that energizes our collective growth and innovation." - President Alberto Cardelle. Application Instructions: To apply online go to: Please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references (required). For other employment and regional opportunities, please visit our website at:

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