Director of Financial Assistance

The Director of Financial Assistance provides leadership and direct oversight of the daily operations of the Office of Financial Assistance (OFA). Under the direction of the Dean of Enrollment Management and as a member of the Enrollment Management leadership team, the Director is primarily responsible for all operations, system and staffing-related matters that affect the administration of Financial Assistance at Villanova, and for the administration of all federal, state, institution, and private aid programs. This individual is also responsible for legislative and regulatory review and ensuring that the University is at all times in compliance with federal and state regulations. The Director will assist the Dean of Enrollment Management with the development and implementation of staffing models, the annual operating budget, as well as the budget for all institutionally funded aid programs. The Director will also update the office policy and procedures manual as needed, and will participate in all aspects of counseling, file review, and student services provided by the Office, and represents the University at both on and off campus presentations.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct all activities and plan calendar for office operations, including implementing policy, providing regular staff training and development opportunities, offering supportive guidance and effective supervision, ensures the timely delivery of aid to students in an atmosphere of superior customer service while adhering to compliance demands, and working with the Dean of Enrollment to set the strategic direction and goals for the office.
Assist the Dean of Enrollment Management in the review of packaging parameters and take the necessary steps to implement changes in the system-based fund management and automated packaging capabilities.
Review, verify, and award prospective and current undergraduate and graduate students and participate in the counseling and support services of students and parents, particularly those escalated through the counseling staff. Develop models to support department and University planning and scenario analysis. Collaborate with the Office of Decision Support and Data Integrity and College/Program leadership as appropriate to support academic program development/management and analytics efforts.
Oversee the administration of financial aid module of the University’s computing system. Review on a regular basis with UNIT and the Information Systems Coordinator, system maintenance issues. Also oversees activities related to all upgrades to the system. Establish the timeline for upgrades, assign responsibilities to UNIT and OFA staff, and monitor progress to completion.
Review all legislative and regulatory changes with the Dean of Enrollment Management and inform appropriate staff members of these changes. Provide staff training in relation to regulatory updates, system application, and work processes. Monitor trends and developments across the field.
Serve as the University’s primary external financial assistance liaison to high school guidance staff, community educational organizations, lenders, guarantors, servicing agencies, and other constituencies involved in the process of financial aid for post-secondary education.
Serve as the University primary financial assistance representative with national, regional and state organizations, such as NASFAA, EASFAA, PASFAA, and the College Board, engaging across the industry to develop and communicate best practices.
Complete the FISAP and oversee the completion of all other Federal and State reports and reconciliation rosters. As a data steward, oversee the completion of all surveys and requests for information and update the Policy and Procedure Manual as appropriate and required.
Perform all other duties assigned by Dean of Enrollment Management.