Director of Financial Aid at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois

Job Description:

Posting Number:

S000893

Position Title:

Director of Financial Aid

Department:

Financial Aid

Division:

Enrollment Management and Marketing

Supervisor Title:

Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing

Status:

Full Time Regular

Position Summary:

The Director of Financial Aid provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the financial aid operation at North Central College. This includes oversight of strategic planning, goal setting, staff recruitment and development, financial aid awarding, compliance, technology integration, communications, and collaboration on institutional pricing and budget decisions. The Director ensures adherence to all federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial aid and serves as the College's lead in audits, compliance reviews, account reconciliations, and federal reporting. The position is responsible for the equitable and compliant distribution of financial aid resources to support student access, enrollment, and success.

Description of Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Serve as a senior member of the enrollment management team.


• Collaborate with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing to develop and execute a strategic vision for financial aid that aligns with institutional goals related to enrollment, net revenue, and student success.


• Provide leadership in forecasting, pricing, and policy decisions impacting financial aid and tuition revenue.

Policy Development & Compliance

• Ensure institutional compliance with all federal, state, and NCAA Division III regulations related to financial aid.


• Interpret and implement regulatory changes; inform stakeholders across the College.


• Direct internal audits, compliance reviews, and account reconciliations.

Financial Aid Administration

• Design and oversee effective and equitable strategies for awarding financial aid and scholarships.


• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.


• Serve as the primary contact for all federal and state financial aid reporting.

Budgeting & Resource Allocation

• Collaborate on institutional pricing strategy and budget forecasting.


• Manage aid expenditures and ensure the efficient and responsible use of institutional resources.


• Represent financial aid in budget committee discussions and long-range planning.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Lead efforts to optimize financial aid operations through the use of technology.


• Partner with IT and the Senior Financial Aid Counselor to manage system updates, automation, and reporting functions.

Communication & Customer Service

• Ensure timely and clear communication to students and families through individual counseling, group presentations, digital platforms, and printed materials.


• Collaborate with Enrollment Marketing to maintain accurate and effective financial aid communications, including the website.

Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct presentations for prospective and current students, families, and community partners on financial aid topics.


• Represent the College at external events, fostering relationships with high schools and community organizations.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor financial aid staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented team culture.


• Establish clear expectations, provide professional development opportunities, and conduct regular performance evaluations.

Data Management & Reporting

• Prepare institutional, state, and federal reports.


• Analyze trends and outcomes related to aid distribution, student debt, retention, and enrollment impact.


• Support strategic decision-making through data-informed insights.

Confidentiality & Ethics

• Maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality when working with student records and financial information.

Community & Belonging

• Promote an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and staff.


• Engage in professional development and support initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and access.

Other Duties

• Serve on institutional committees and task forces as assigned.


• Perform additional responsibilities in support of the College's mission and enrollment goals.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. 
   Comprehensive Financial Aid Expertise
   
   Deep understanding of financial aid operations, policies, and procedures, including both merit-based and need-based aid programs. Proven experience in managing institutional net revenue, pricing strategies, and financial forecasting.


2. 
   Exceptional Interpersonal and Communication Skills
   
   Demonstrated ability to engage and communicate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and external partners-both in person and virtually-with professionalism and empathy. Commitment to delivering student-centered service and working collaboratively in a team-based environment.


3. 
   Strategic Vision and Execution
   
   Ability to develop and articulate a clear strategic vision for the financial aid department, set measurable goals, and lead the successful implementation of initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.


4. 
   Professional Communication Proficiency
   
   Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to produce clear, high-quality publications, reports, and correspondence that reflect positively on the College.


5. 
   Leadership and Staff Development
   
   Experience in supervising and developing professional and student staff. Demonstrated success in providing effective training, goal setting, coaching, performance monitoring, and evaluation.


6. 
   Institutional Knowledge and Higher Education Insight
   
   Familiarity with the structure and functions of higher education institutions, especially as it pertains to financial aid. Current awareness of trends in higher education and knowledge of peer institutions with which North Central College competes for students. Up-to-date understanding of federal, state, and NCAA financial aid regulations.


7. 
   Organizational Agility and Multi-tasking
   
   Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while balancing competing deadlines and stakeholders.


8. 
   Analytical and Quantitative Skills
   
   Proficiency in applying mathematical and analytical skills to compile, interpret, and report data. Ability to prepare accurate, concise, and professionally formatted reports that inform strategic decision-making.


9. 
   Technology Proficiency
   
   Advanced proficiency with financial aid and enrollment-related software and systems, including but not limited to: Ellucian Colleague, U.S. Department of Education systems, CRM platforms, CampusLogic, ELM, and AcademicWorks. Ability to leverage technology for process efficiency and data integrity.


10. 
    Ethical Leadership and Professional Integrity
    
    Commitment to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Ability to model and promote ethical behavior and confidentiality in all aspects of work, especially in handling sensitive student and family information.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Attracting and retaining talented students is fundamental to the success of North Central College. As a key member of the enrollment leadership team, the Director of Financial Aid plays a pivotal role in supporting the institution's mission and strategic goals.
This position requires a dynamic, data-informed leader who brings creativity, collaboration, and innovation to the role. The Director must possess in-depth expertise in financial aid operations and regulations, as well as a strong technical skill set to leverage technology for process improvement and efficient aid delivery.
Excellent interpersonal skills are critical, particularly in working with students and families during one of their most impactful interactions with the College. As one of the first points of contact for many prospective students, the Director helps shape the initial impression of North Central College. A high level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct is essential in handling confidential and sensitive information.

Education/Training:

A bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree is strongly preferred.

Experience:

At least seven years of experience in a financial aid setting, or a minimum of five years in higher education financial aid setting.

Licenses or Certifications:

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record is required.

Is This a Temporary Position?:

No

Employment Conditions:

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of the College's background screening process.

Number of Vacancies:

1

EEO Statement:

North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. North Central College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation, please notify the Office of Human Resource. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Additional Information:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,000-$80,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the candidate's experience, qualifications, and training.


North Central College provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• All-inclusive medical, dental and vision group insurance


• Health and dependent care savings plans


• Employer-paid life, AD&D and disability group insurance


• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions


• Employee assistance plan resources


• Tuition waiver for full-time employees, spouse and dependent children


• Generous paid time off plans, including 3 weeks vacation to start


• 15 paid holidays per year, including 5 days during NCC Winter Break


• Free access to campus health center, fitness and athletic facilities, and library


• Employee discount program

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