Director of Student Financial Services

PRINCIPIA

Director of Student Financial Services provides oversight for financial aid programs at Principia College. Leading compliance and management of student accounts in a mission-driven institution.

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeElsah • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesEntry Level💰 $78,145 - $87,910 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides leadership and direction for the Student Financial Services office, including organizational planning, workflow design, and staff development
Collaborates with College leadership to develop and execute a financial aid and student accounts strategy aligned with institutional mission, enrollment goals, and compliance requirements
Serves as a key partner in the College’s transition to full Title IV participation, ensuring systems, processes, and controls meet federal and state standards
Oversees the determination of student eligibility, accurate packaging, awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation of financial aid in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations
Ensures compliance with all Title IV requirements
Promotes early, proactive, and transparent communication with students and families regarding financial aid, educational financing, billing timelines, and financial responsibilities
Leads the installation, configuration, and ongoing management of financial aid and student account software systems and related automated processes
Works closely with Admissions, Registrar, Academic Advising, Student Affairs, Residence Life, and other departments to ensure timely communication of enrollment changes affecting financial aid and student billing
Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates Student Financial Services staff

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in student financial services at a Title IV‑eligible institution
At least three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, including Title IV compliance
Experience with financial aid management systems and automated student account platforms
Strong analytical skills

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.
Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
Comprehensive Benefits : Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

financial aid managementstudent account managementorganizational planningworkflow designstaff developmentfinancial aid packagingdisbursementreconciliationcompliance with Title IVanalytical skills

Soft Skills

leadershipcollaborationcommunicationsupervisiontrainingevaluationproactive communicationtransparency