Director of Financial Aid

About the role

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service. Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Director of Financial Aid is a key member of the Enrollment Management leadership team, responsible for the strategic direction, daily operations, and regulatory compliance of Hamline University's Office of Financial Aid. This position oversees the full range of financial aid programming for undergraduate and graduate students, including federal, state, and institutional aid, with a focus on optimizing aid packages to support recruitment, retention, and affordability goals. The Director is responsible for the stewardship and accurate disbursement of tens of millions of dollars in annual student aid funds flowing through the office. The Director leads a team of financial aid professionals, serves as the institution's primary expert on Title IV compliance, and partners closely with Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Operations, Graduate Enrollment and Student Success, the Registrar, Student Accounts, and institutional leadership to advance enrollment strategy. The position carries significant decision-making authority and is distinguished by its dual accountability for both technical compliance and strategic enrollment contribution. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership & Enrollment Partnership Serve as a senior member of the Enrollment Management leadership team, contributing financial aid expertise to recruitment and retention strategy for undergraduate and graduate populations. Develop and implement aid leveraging strategies, including the analysis of discount rate, net revenue, and enrollment outcomes to optimize packaging models. Collaborate with the Vice President of Enrollment Management and institutional leadership on setting annual aid budgets, merit scholarship parameters, and need-based aid philosophy. Partner with Admissions on funnel management-providing timely aid award data, supporting yield initiatives, and informing recruitment messaging around affordability. Support institutional efforts to grow enrollment among targeted student populations, including middle-income students, graduate enrollees, and underrepresented groups. Serve on university-wide committees and task forces related to student success, enrollment, data governance, and strategic planning. Financial Aid Program Administration Oversee the administration of all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including Title IV funds (Pell, SEOG, Direct Loans, Parent PLUS, Grad PLUS), Minnesota state grant programs, institutional grants and scholarships, and work-study. Direct the packaging of financial aid awards for incoming and continuing undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring equitable and effective aid distribution aligned with institutional policy. Manage all aspects of the institutional scholarship program, including funded and unfunded merit awards, donor-restricted scholarships, and departmental awards. Manage all programs and funds related to College Work-Study, staff tuition benefits, and Title IV refunds. Provide compliance oversight and institutional accountability for non-financial aid grant programs administered through the office, including TRIO, and other federally or privately funded student support grants (e.g., ETAP, Heim, PAC); ensure accurate reporting, fund stewardship, and coordination with program directors. Monitor and manage financial aid funds to ensure disbursements are accurate, timely, and within authorized award limits. Lead annual review and renewal of aid packaging methodology, evaluating the effectiveness of aid programs against enrollment and net revenue goals. Regulatory Compliance & Institutional Reporting Ensure institutional compliance with all applicable federal and state financial aid laws and regulations, including FERPA, Title IV program requirements, and Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) policies. Direct the preparation and submission of required federal and state reports, including the FISAP, State of Minnesota grant reconciliations, and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) reporting. Oversee completion of annual surveys and data submissions to NAC

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