Hybrid Executive Director – Student Financial Services

at Excelsior University

• Job title: Executive Director – Student Financial Services
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Entry level
• Salary: $110,000 - $122,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Albany, United States

About the role

• Executive Director of Student Financial Services providing strategic leadership and operational oversight across financial aid and student services. Driving compliance, process improvement, and student success initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership aligned with the University’s mission and strategic priorities
• Develop long-term plans to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and student satisfaction
• Advise senior leadership on financial aid, student accounts, and Veteran benefits
• Build strong partnerships across campus to integrate financial services with broader student success strategies
• Promote a culture of belonging, ensuring all students feel respected, supported, and valued
• Lead integrated operations across financial aid, student accounts, and military/Veteran billing
• Monitor performance metrics to drive continuous improvement
• Maintain a regulatory calendar to ensure timely execution of key processes
• Ensure compliance with Title IV, FERPA, and other applicable regulations
• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and regulatory agencies
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to proactively address issues
• Uphold financial aid integrity by implementing fraud prevention protocols and ethical oversight practices
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation
• Coordinate reconciliation of aid disbursements and student accounts
• Support enrollment and retention through strategic aid packaging and tuition management
• Lead implementation and optimization of financial systems
• Collaborate with ITS and other departments to ensure data integrity and system interoperability
• Supervise and mentor department leaders and staff
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence
• Deliver professional development and foster an inclusive, respectful environment
• Encourage team practices that reflect empathy, equity, and cultural awareness
• Champion a student-first approach to financial services
• Resolve complex student issues with empathy and sound judgment
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to align financial services with broader student support

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience, including leadership roles within financial aid, student financial services, or enrollment management at an accredited institution
• Experience with PowerFAIDS and a commitment to supporting diverse adult learners in distance education
• Strong collaborative leadership and management skills
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Student Information Systems, and Microsoft Office Suite