Financial Aid Director

Position Summary

The Director of Financial Aid leads financial aid operations for the Eastman School of Music, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting student recruitment, retention, and success. This role oversees communications, staff development, financial aid policies, fund management, and student counseling services.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and supervise financial aid staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development.

Oversee daily financial aid operations, communications, and application processing.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and reporting requirements.

Develop and implement financial aid strategies that support enrollment goals.

Manage institutional, federal, and state financial aid budgets and fund distribution.

Review financial aid appeals, SAP appeals, withdrawals, and special circumstances.

Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Finance, Faculty, and University leadership on student aid and enrollment initiatives.

Maintain financial aid policies, procedures, publications, web content, and student portal systems.

Provide financial aid counseling and exceptional customer service to students and families.

Represent the University during audits and at professional conferences.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience required.

Master's degree preferred.

7+ years of progressive financial aid experience preferred.

Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.

Experience managing financial aid programs and budgets preferred.

PowerFAIDS experience and NASFAA credentials preferred.

Location: Rochester, NY (Eastman School of Music@University of Rochester)

Salary Range: $64,200 - $96,200

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.