Director of Financial Aid (5085)

Thank you for your interest in positions at Idaho State University. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by logging into your profile and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions, please review our frequently asked questions.

Director of Financial Aid (5085)
Pocatello - Main
NOT eligible for remote work, on-campus position
Priority Date: August 30, 2026

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

The Director of Financial Aid provides leadership and oversight for financial aid operations at Idaho State University. This position administers federal, state, institutional, veterans, and private financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations while delivering a high-quality, student-centered experience.

The Director plays a key role in advancing institutional goals related to enrollment, retention, and student success by developing and implementing strategic financial aid initiatives and collaborating across campus. This position oversees a complex financial aid operation with significant institutional impact. The Director manages substantial financial resources, supervises multiple functional areas, and contributes to strategic decision-making at the university level.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• 
  Provide leadership and oversight for all financial aid operations, including awarding, verification, satisfactory academic progress, professional judgment, reconciliation, and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, NCAA Division I, and institutional regulations and reporting requirements.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures to improve efficiency, compliance, and student service.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate financial aid staff while fostering professional development.
• Collaborate with campus partners, including Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, and other campus partners, to support recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives.
• Develop and manage the department budget and oversee responsible stewardship of institutional, state, and federal financial aid funds.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement operational updates to maintain compliance.
• Oversee audits, reporting, reconciliation, and Return to Title IV processes.
• Represent the university through outreach, presentations, and partnerships with external agencies.
• Oversee communication strategies that educate students and families about financial aid programs, application processes, and financial literacy.
• Support strategic enrollment initiatives by leveraging financial aid resources to maximize access and student persistence.
• Establish departmental goals aligned with enrollment management and university priorities.
• Administer federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Direct Loans and Pell Grants.
• Assign work, establish priorities, and evaluate performance.
• Counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility and options.
• Oversee Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Professional Judgment, Verification, Return of Title IV (R2T4), and appeals processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Higher Education Administration, or a related field
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, including supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with NCAA Division I financial aid regulations.
• Experience administering Federal Work-Study and institutional scholarship programs.
• Experience with audits, program reviews, and financial aid compliance reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using student information systems and financial aid management software (e.g., Banner, PowerFAIDS).

• Master’s degree in Business, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• At least seven (7) years of progressive financial aid experience.
• Experience supporting strategic enrollment management initiatives.

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before August 30, 2026. Salary will be between $95,000 and $115,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Note: Thank you for your interest in positions at Idaho State University. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by logging into your profile and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions, please review our frequently asked questions.

Posting Number: req2790
Type: Working 12 months per year
Position: Non-classified Staff
Division: Student Services

Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

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