Associate director financial aid technology operations

Job Summary:

Oversee and assist with the management of the Office of Student Financial Aid. Lead, plan, and direct daily business operations at a superior level while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institution rules and regulations. Engage annually with federal, state, and internal auditors to successfully complete the required reviews. Routinely exercise professional judgement and critical thinking in the administration of aid programs and to resolve departmental issues. Analyze internal processes and recommend procedural or policy changes to improve financial aid processes and department operations. Manage staff including training, assigning, directing and evaluating work. Oversee employment searches and hiring processes for the department. Develop, implement and administer financial aid plans and programs for student groups and to support the overall goals of Enrollment Management and the university. Work closely with IT staff to design, program, test, and deploy functionality of Workday student information system. Continually collaborate with other departments, university administration, and the campus community to deliver outstanding student service. Represent the university on advisory boards and national and State associations.

Additional Position Information:

Essential Functions:

Oversee and assist with the management of the Office of Student Financial Aid. Lead, plan, and direct daily business operations at a superior level while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institution rules and regulations. Engage annually with federal, state, and internal auditors to successfully complete the required reviews. Routinely exercise professional judgement and critical thinking in the administration of aid programs and to resolve departmental issues.

Oversee the administration of all student loan programs including the Federal Direct Loan program, graduate PLUS loans, Parent PLUS loans, and private student loans. Oversee the management of federal and state financial aid programs and Return of Title IV Funds.

Analyze internal processes and recommend procedural or policy changes to improve financial aid processes and department operations. Work closely with IT staff to design, program, test, and deploy functionality of Workday student information system. Continually collaborate with other departments, university administration, and the campus community to deliver outstanding student service.

Manage staff including training, assigning, directing and evaluating work. Oversee employment searches and hiring processes for the department. Represent the university on advisory boards and national and State associations.

Required Qualifications:

Requires a relevant bachelor's degree. Requires a minimum of two years of experience in student financial aid, or closely related experience in a higher education institution. Computer skills include Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, and Outlook. Superior management and problem-solving skills. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Knowledge and experience with financial aid software including COD, NSLDS, FSA Partner Connect and Portal. History of researching and interpreting federal regulations and engaging with the U.S. Department of Education. Experience presenting financial aid concepts and related information to a variety of groups is required. Prior supervisory experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Workday student information system preferred.

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.

Application Deadline:

Review of applications will begin October 31, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Compensation:

The starting salary for this position is $60,500.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Natasha Kuzmina

Email:

[email protected]

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our

Non-Discrimination Statement

for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.

All About UA

The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education.

The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches.

As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems.

We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders.

For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our

About UA

page.

Benefits

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our

benefits home page

for more information.