Senior Director, Student Financial Assistance and Employment

Job DescriptionLocation: Coral Gables Campus Reports To: Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Assistance and Employment Direct Reports: Undergraduate Financial Aid Team Leads, System and Compliance Leads, Director of Student Employment, and Key Specialists Position SummaryThe Senior Director of Financial Assistance and Employment is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing financial aid programs for undergraduate students and managing university-wide student employment services for all student populations. Acting as the second-in-command to the Assistant Vice President, this role ensures that both financial aid and student employment operations align with institutional goals, regulatory compliance, and a student-centered approach. The Senior Director collaborates closely with departments such as the Registrar’s Office, Student Accounts, and Canes Central to ensure integrated, high-quality service delivery. This position requires a high level of independence, overseeing decisions that may have large impact on the university and managing significant compliance risks across aid and employment programs. Key ResponsibilitiesUndergraduate Financial Aid Leadership: Lead the strategic planning, policy development, and daily operations of undergraduate financial aid programs, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective financial support for students.Student Employment Oversight: Oversee the Student Employment program for all student populations (undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical students), ensuring compliance with federal work-study regulations and managing institutional employment budgets. Supervise the Director of Student Employment to support job development, placement, and student satisfaction across on- and off-campus employment opportunities.Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Collaborate with the Registrar’s Office, Student Accounts, and Canes Central to ensure integrated student services that facilitate efficient aid processing and student employment. Build partnerships to enhance overall student experience and service accessibility.Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all financial aid and student employment operations comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including Title IV, work-study guidelines, and employment policies. Actively manage compliance risks and provide leadership in regulatory adherence.Financial Counseling and Literacy: Develop and promote financial literacy initiatives and counseling programs to support students in making informed financial and employment-related decisions.Operational Excellence: Direct the administrative and organizational functions of undergraduate financial aid and student employment offices, including staffing, training, and process improvements. Foster a culture of efficiency, accuracy, and high-quality service.Data Reporting and Analysis: Analyze and report on financial aid and student employment data to assess program effectiveness, support budgeting, and guide strategic planning. Present insights to the AVP for informed decision-making.Leadership and Team Development: Supervise, mentor, and support professional development for the undergraduate financial aid team and Director of Student Employment. Champion a collaborative, service-focused team culture that emphasizes accountability and continuous improvement.Minimum QualificationsMaster’s Degree in Higher Education, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.8+ years of experience in financial aid or student financial services, with demonstrated experience in managing student employment and undergraduate aid programs.Proven knowledge of Title IV regulations, state aid compliance, institutional financial aid methodology, and federal work-study requirements.Strong ability to develop cross-departmental partnerships and deliver integrated services across financial aid and employment functions.Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills.Experience with financial aid and student employment systems (e.g., PowerFaids, PeopleSoft) is preferred.CertificationsNASFAA Professional Credentials relevant to undergraduate aid (e.g., Administrative Capability, Verification, Federal Work-Study, Direct Loans) is required.Pursuit of the FAAC® credential is encouraged within the first year in the role.Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff