What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Financial Aid position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job ID: 291713
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
About Us
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Department Information
Enrollment Management
Job Summary
The Director of Financial Aid reports directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management (EM) leadership team. This role is instrumental in advancing the strategic enrollment and student success goals of Columbus State University, a proud member of the University System of Georgia.
The ideal Director of Financial Aid at Columbus State University is a strategic, student-centered leader who combines operational excellence with a forward-thinking approach to access and affordability. This individual is an innovative problem solver who embraces technology, values collaboration, and leads with empathy and integrity. By championing service excellence and continuous improvement, the Director will help shape a financial aid experience that empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals, advancing CSU's mission to transform lives through learning.
Responsibilities
Significant Duties and Responsibilities include: The Director provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the administration of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely service delivery. This includes supervision of all departmental operations related to awarding systems, data management, reporting, and fiscal accountability.; A student-centered and service-oriented leader, the Director develops and enforces policies and procedures that align with federal and state regulations while enhancing affordability and access for CSU students.; The Director leads a team of dedicated professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Financial Aid Office.; Working closely with Enrollment colleagues and campus partners, the Director establishes financial aid awarding guidelines consistent with institutional goals and external funding criteria; manages fund allocation, reconciliation, and year-end reporting; and leverages technology to create an efficient, transparent, and responsive financial aid experience.; As a strategic partner in enrollment management, the Director champions student recruitment, retention, and academic success by providing excellent service to students, families, and university stakeholders while expanding awareness of financial aid opportunities throughout the CSU community.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications include: A Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.; A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive experience leading and supervising financial aid activities and personnel at the level of Assistant Director or above at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.; Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, compliance standards, and reporting requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications include: Experience using BANNER Administrative Forms and CampusLogic student information systems preferred.
Proposed Salary
The proposed annualized salary for this position is $110,000 and includes full benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and best practices.; Proven commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical financial administration.; Demonstrated success integrating emerging technologies and innovative practices in financial aid operations.; Ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships that support enrollment and student success.; Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and empathetically.; Impeccable professional references from direct supervisors attesting to leadership integrity and performance.; Dedication to professional development and fostering growth among team members.; Commitment to service excellence, process improvement, and operational efficiency.; Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and navigate a dynamic, cost-conscious, and data-driven environment.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Shanna Widener, Hiring Manager, via email at widener_shanna@columbusstate.edu
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.
Background Check
Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=30000&JobOpeningId=291713&PostingSeq=1
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-c94e2e37eb16b9408c1c59a8a0d5182f
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
About Us
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Department Information
Enrollment Management
Job Summary
The Director of Financial Aid reports directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management (EM) leadership team. This role is instrumental in advancing the strategic enrollment and student success goals of Columbus State University, a proud member of the University System of Georgia.
The ideal Director of Financial Aid at Columbus State University is a strategic, student-centered leader who combines operational excellence with a forward-thinking approach to access and affordability. This individual is an innovative problem solver who embraces technology, values collaboration, and leads with empathy and integrity. By championing service excellence and continuous improvement, the Director will help shape a financial aid experience that empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals, advancing CSU's mission to transform lives through learning.
Responsibilities
Significant Duties and Responsibilities include: The Director provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the administration of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely service delivery. This includes supervision of all departmental operations related to awarding systems, data management, reporting, and fiscal accountability.; A student-centered and service-oriented leader, the Director develops and enforces policies and procedures that align with federal and state regulations while enhancing affordability and access for CSU students.; The Director leads a team of dedicated professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Financial Aid Office.; Working closely with Enrollment colleagues and campus partners, the Director establishes financial aid awarding guidelines consistent with institutional goals and external funding criteria; manages fund allocation, reconciliation, and year-end reporting; and leverages technology to create an efficient, transparent, and responsive financial aid experience.; As a strategic partner in enrollment management, the Director champions student recruitment, retention, and academic success by providing excellent service to students, families, and university stakeholders while expanding awareness of financial aid opportunities throughout the CSU community.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications include: A Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.; A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive experience leading and supervising financial aid activities and personnel at the level of Assistant Director or above at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.; Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, compliance standards, and reporting requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications include: Experience using BANNER Administrative Forms and CampusLogic student information systems preferred.
Proposed Salary
The proposed annualized salary for this position is $110,000 and includes full benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and best practices.; Proven commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical financial administration.; Demonstrated success integrating emerging technologies and innovative practices in financial aid operations.; Ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships that support enrollment and student success.; Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and empathetically.; Impeccable professional references from direct supervisors attesting to leadership integrity and performance.; Dedication to professional development and fostering growth among team members.; Commitment to service excellence, process improvement, and operational efficiency.; Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and navigate a dynamic, cost-conscious, and data-driven environment.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Shanna Widener, Hiring Manager, via email at widener_shanna@columbusstate.edu
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
- Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
- Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
- Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
- Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
- Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
- Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
- A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
- Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
- Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.
Background Check
- Position of Trust Education & Credit
Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=30000&JobOpeningId=291713&PostingSeq=1
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
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