Director, Student Aid Operations

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the AVP, Student Financial Services, the Director of Student Aid Operations leads the SFS Operations team and oversees all operational, data, and technical processes. Sitting at the vital intersection of financial aid administration and systems engineering, you will optimize software tools, lead packaging automation, drive federal compliance, and ensure dependable aid delivery across all learning environments. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

Key Responsibilities

System Management & Automation:

• PowerFAIDS Leadership: Oversee and improve automation, financial aid notifications, and awarding workflows in PowerFAIDS to ensure students receive timely aid packages well before billing deadlines.  Also oversees systems integrations between Salesforce and Workday to PowerFAIDS.
• Technology Optimization: Continuously evaluate SFS technology needs, assess business process requirements, and implement system upgrades to maximize automation and communication flows.
• Data Integrity & Reporting: Direct records management, data security, and QA initiatives. Oversee required state,  federal, and institutional reports (e.g., FISAP, ACTS, CDS).

Financial Stewardship & Compliance:

• Fund Monitoring & Drawdowns: Monitor federal and state aid expenditures, track federal matching requirements, and partner with Finance to execute regular drawdown schedules.
• Audit Leadership: Serve as the primary institutional contact for the annual Uniform Guidance Audit, as well as federal and state regulatory reviews.
• Regulatory Interpretation and Compliance: Monitor changing federal and state regulations, translating updates into operational policies and keeping SFS staff fully trained.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Team Oversight: Lead, mentor, and evaluate the SFS Operations unit in a high-volume, dynamic environment.
• Campus Partnerships: Work closely with the One Stop, Student Success Advising, Finance, and Student Accounts to eliminate financial barriers and deliver seamless student service.

What You'll Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: 5–7 years of progressive financial aid experience with proven managerial leadership in a fast-paced higher education environment.
• Systems Expertise: Deep technical expertise in student information systems, specifically PowerFAIDS, alongside a strong mastery of federal financial aid processing systems.
• Compliance & Audit Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations, audit procedures, and reporting mandates (FISAP, CDS).
• Core Competencies: Outstanding analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset and an ability to think holistically about process optimization.

Why Choose Berklee?

• Operational Impact: Innovate and streamline systems that eliminate financial barriers for artists worldwide.
• Cultural Access: Enjoy nightly, unrivaled access to world-class music, theater, and dance performances across our campus venues.
• Total Rewards: Exceptional health and dental packages, a 403(b) retirement system with matching contributions, generous PTO, tuition assistance, and a paid winter break to rest and recharge.

Hiring Range: $95,000 to $125,000; salary dependent on experience and education.

Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about our benefits.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

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