Director of Financial Aid

We take pride in the ever-evolving nature of our work, which transforms the lives of our students, preparing them for personal and professional success.

Rider University is consistently recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report as a best college, and as a best-value institution. With more than 100 majors, minors and programs, 21 Division I athletic teams and 150-plus clubs and organizations, Rider Broncs create their own pathways to success with the support of the University community.

Position Overview

The Director of Financial Aid serves as the institution’s strategic and operational leader for student financial aid, ensuring access, equity, and responsible stewardship of all federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Rooted in the University’s mission to expand opportunity and remove barriers to student success, the Director provides both compassionate student service and rigorous compliance, helping students and families confidently navigate the financial journey from admission through graduation.

This position is responsible for the administration of all Title IV programs and serves as the institution’s official Title IV Compliance Officer and Primary DPA with the U.S. Department of Education. The Director plays a leading role in supporting affordability, FAFSA completion initiatives, and institutional goals related to retention, persistence, and four-year graduation.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven leader who believes financial aid is not just a transactional function — but a critical part of a student’s path to belonging, persistence, and achievement.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of a student-centered financial aid operation grounded in access, affordability, and success.
• Participate in strategic packaging discussions and net-tuition revenue modeling in partnership with Enrollment Management leadership.
• Support institutional enrollment and retention goals through responsible awarding practices, proactive FAFSA engagement, and clear communication with students and families.

Compliance & Program Administration

• Oversee the administration and compliance of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including Pell, SEOG, Direct Loans, TEACH, Federal Work Study, NJ TAG, EOF, VA benefits, and institutional scholarships.
• Serve as the institution’s official Title IV Compliance Officer and Primary DPA and ensure readiness for federal and state audits, reconciliations, program reviews, and reporting.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and regulatory controls that meet all federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Monitor regulatory changes, interpret guidance, and lead institutional training on financial aid policy implications.

Student Service & One Stop Collaboration

• Partner closely within a One Stop student services environment — collaborating with Student Accounts, Billing, Registrar and Residence Life, providing a comprehensive counseling approach to ensure seamless, student-first service delivery.
• Lead FAFSA education, outreach, and communication strategies that reflect empathy, clarity, and transparency.

Team Management & Technology

• Supervise a core team of approximately 6 financial aid professionals, with partnership support from technical staff and One Stop personnel.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and mission-driven service.
• Leverage Slate (CRM), Banner (SIS), and EAB Navigate or comparable systems to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and student communication.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, with demonstrated expertise in Title IV compliance.
• Proven ability to lead staff, implement policy, and operationalize compliance with a high degree of integrity and care.
• Commitment to inclusion and belonging, access, affordability, and the student experience.
• Satisfactory background and/or DMV checks required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience with NJ TAG, EOF, and the New Jersey State Aid regulatory environment strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Banner, Slate, Navigate, or comparable SIS/CRM platforms strongly preferred.

Rider University is committed to fostering an inclusive, vibrant living and learning community that embraces students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds and enables them to achieve success.

Rider University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information regarding our Benefits visit https://www.rider.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/benefits/overview-employee-benefits/full-time-administrative-employees