Executive Director of Student Financial Aid

Insight Global is seeking an experienced Executive Director of Student Financial Aid for a nationally recognized public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. This leadership position reports directly to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Optimization and serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management team.

This Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for all student financial aid and scholarship programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting enrollment, retention, and student success goals. This individual will oversee day-to-day financial aid operations, lead a high-performing team, drive process improvements, and collaborate across the university to deliver a seamless, student-centered experience.


Key Responsibilities/Day-to-Day:

Financial Aid Leadership & Strategy
• Lead all financial aid and scholarship operations in support of enrollment and retention objectives.
• Develop and implement financial aid strategies that align with institutional goals and student success initiatives.
• Analyze trends, outcomes, and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership in aid packaging, scholarship administration, and resource allocation.
• Stay current on federal and state legislation impacting student financial aid programs.
Compliance & Operational Oversight
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Maintain audit readiness and oversee all financial aid reporting and program reviews.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, data integrity standards, and quality assurance practices.
• Lead the effective utilization and optimization of financial aid systems, including Ellucian Banner.
• Monitor operational effectiveness and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop financial aid staff through training, coaching, and performance management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee hiring, staffing, employee development, performance evaluations, and workforce planning.
• Establish departmental goals, policies, and procedures that support institutional priorities.
Student Experience & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Enrollment Management, Student Services, Advising, Academic Affairs, and other university stakeholders.
• Develop service delivery models that improve accessibility and reduce barriers for students.
• Establish customer service standards and oversee resolution of complex student issues.
• Support communication strategies that help students and families navigate financial aid processes and requirements.
• Ensure an equitable and inclusive approach to student service across diverse student populations.
Strategic Partnership & Enrollment Support
• Collaborate with university leadership on enrollment planning and financial aid strategy.
• Support recruitment and retention initiatives through data-informed aid packaging and service models.
• Build strong relationships with campus partners to enhance operational effectiveness and student outcomes.

Compensation: $72-84/hr. Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education. Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Required Qualifications
• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field with 5 years of experience in a leadership financial aid office role. (Can support a Bachelor's Degree with 8+ years of experience in related field).
• Extensive experience within higher education financial aid administration.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience managing financial aid professionals.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and programs.
• Experience leading financial aid operations, audits, compliance initiatives, and reporting functions.
• Experience utilizing financial aid management systems such as Ellucian Banner.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and organizational leadership skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
• Experience within:
○ Title IV regulations and compliance
○ Borrower-Based Academic Year (BBAY) packaging
○ Non-standard term financial aid administration
○ Federal and state financial aid audits
○ Financial aid compliance reviews and program assessments

Nice to have:
Scholarship administration and awarding systems
Data-driven decision making and enrollment management strategies
Hands on experience with Banner within a higher education background

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.