Executive Director, Office of Student Financial Aid

Executive Director, Office of Student Financial Aid

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

Location:        Chicago

Posting Close Date:  July 18, 2025

Salary Range: The budgeted salary range for the position is $125,000 to $150,000.

We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Position Summary
This position leads the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFAS) by establishing, implementing and evaluating financial aid operations, programs and processes for the campus. Oversees the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid, approximately $650 million disbursed to over 33,000 students. Serve as the main consultant to university administrators on financial aid related matters and compliance issues. Serve as a key member and consultant to the campus Financial Aid Committee (FAC) to address organizational and policy issues, impact of financial aid on student enrollment, and compliance issues related to running a student financial aid program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Interpret and implement complex federal and state regulations regarding student financial aid for the university.
• As part of the Student Affairs leadership team, provide direction regarding the administration and disbursement of student financial aid, financial aid issues related to student application and enrollment processes, scholarship administration, regulatory compliance, and the standards of best practice in the field of student financial aid.
• Establish strategic goals and objectives for the Office of Student Financial Aid and provide leadership and oversight for the operations and activities of the Office of Student Financial Aid.
• Oversee the University’s compliance with appropriate National Collegiate Association (NCAA), institutional, state, and federal regulations affecting financial aid processes.
• Serve as the primary contact for the University with external groups including the Department of Education for information and problem resolution related to student financial aid.
• Oversee the management of various audit processes (federal, state, institutional, and private reviews).
• Oversee department operational budget. Determine priorities for purchases and expenses including operating and capital expenses.
• Consult with organizational leaders regarding student financial aid related matters and compliance issues and make recommendations for courses of action.
• Develop campus-wide policies and/ or strategies affecting financial aid services, programs and processes and train and develop staff.
• Direct and manage the senior staff of the unit to ensure that group objectives are met.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

Master's degree in business, higher education, or a related field.

Minimum of ten years' experience including supervisory experience in a financial aid department is required.

 

Preferred Qualifications
In depth understanding of federal and state regulations regarding administration of student financial aid. Strong fiscal
competency.

Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student population.

Effective leadership and management skills.

 

To Apply: For fullest consideration, please submit cover letter, resume, and a list of three references online through the UIC Job Board at:            

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15254?c=uic

The above mentioned requirements must be submitted no later than July 18, 2025. 

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation