Alfred University – Executive Director of Financial Aid
Alfred University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Executive Director of Financial Aid (EDFA).Nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and the Finger Lakes wine region of Western New York state, Alfred is an impactful, private, comprehensive doctoral-degree-granting University.
Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Executive Director of Financial Aid will serve as a key strategic partner and integral member of the enrollment management leadership team offering expertise in financial aid strategy, compliance, and wisdom in the development and execution of an institutional strategic enrollment plan. As a member of Alfred’s Executive Council, the EDFA will work collaboratively with the president and Cabinet to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the university. Alfred University seeks a highly collaborative leader with exceptional analytical acumen, expertise in leading financial aid leveraging strategies, and a command of financial aid software (Banner) to achieve strong financial aid outcomes.
To view full, updated position announcement: https://nessearches.com/edfa-alfred/
Compensation
Alfred University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including relocation assistance, and a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The range identified for this role is $120,000-$140,000. In this important leadership position, the successful candidate will have an active on-campus presence.
Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable
Alfred University
The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of progressive leadership and management experience in higher education administration, with an advanced degree preferred. In addition, the following job-related qualifications represent the knowledge, skills and abilities of the successful candidate: ● A strategic and critical thinker with an understanding of econometric enrollment models, development of financial aid leveraging programs, and strategic use of merit and need-based aid funding, able to balance institutional needs with the needs of individual students from a variety of backgrounds; ● A history of crafting financial aid policy and comprehensive working knowledge of Title IV financial aid programs, as well knowledge of or the ability to quickly master New York State student scholarships and grants programs; ● Previous experience working with A-133 audits, reconciliation, and federal reporting; ● Experience in all government processing and reporting systems related to financial aid; ● Comprehensive knowledge of financial aid information systems, models and interfaces, including annual application setup, routine and exception processing, data import and export functions, and complex query language data extraction and reporting with a strong preference to experience in Banner; ● Experience in financial aid packaging and processing automation, as well as the automation of checks and balances, and reconciliation; ● Ability to evaluate and improve processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness in all manual and electronic processes and reporting and for the benefit of customer service; ● Experience in developing, documenting, and appropriately disseminating institutional policies and procedures; ● Experience leading a team of financial aid professionals with an approach that prioritizes mentorship, cross training, empowerment, transparency and accountability; ● An approachable, positive leader experienced in leading change thoughtfully and successfully; ● Outstanding communication (both oral and written) and presentation skills; ● A collaborative spirit, committed to the well being of students and providing exemplary customer service to students, families and campus constituents; ● Familiar and comfortable serving students with a highly personalized approach; ● Demonstrated emotional intelligence; empathetic with the ability to engage and educate students, families and colleagues; ● A visible and communicative leader who values relationships, listens deeply, and engages the community; ● Demonstrated ability to work independently and to maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
To Apply NES, a national executive search firm specializing in higher education, is assisting Alfred University with the search for an Executive Director of Financial Aid. If you wish to have a confidential conversation about this opportunity or submit nominations, please contact: Drew Nichols (drew.nichols@nessearches.com) or Catherine Capolupo (catherine.capolupo@nessearches.com). All conversations will remain confidential unless otherwise stated and agreed. To apply, please send the following items: 1) a resume, 2) a detailed letter of interest, and 3) contact information for five professional references by email to: alfred@nessearches.com by February 27, 2026. For confidentiality, references will not be contacted without permission. The position is campus-based and the preferred start date is late spring, 2026.
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To apply for this job please visit nessearches.com.