Director of Student Financial Planning

High Point University · High Point

High Point University’s Director of Student Financial Planning provides strategic leadership, oversight, and administration of all student financial aid programs and student financing initiatives. The Director serves as the University's principal authority on Title IV compliance and programs, North Carolina state financial aid programs, financial literacy initiatives, regulatory reporting and risk management, default prevention, and financial aid operations. This position is responsible for ensuring full compliance with federal, state, institutional, and accreditor regulations while delivering exceptional service and support to students and families. The Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining a culture of compliance, continuous improvement, operational excellence, accountability, and collaboration while utilizing technology and data-informed decision making to improve service delivery and institutional effectiveness. This position works collaboratively with Student Accounts, Admissions, Registrar, Accounting, Academic Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Student Life, Athletics, and Executive Leadership to support student success, institutional compliance, and operational excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution required; Master’s degree preferred

Experience and Training

Minimum 10 years of responsible leadership and experience in financial aid at Associate Director level or higher
Demonstrated expertise in Title IV administration, compliance, and regulatory reporting
Experience managing financial aid audits, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting requirements
Strong technology background and experience with student information systems, financial aid management systems, federal and state systems, private loan systems, and reporting tools
Experience administering North Carolina state financial aid programs preferred
Experience using Ellucian’s Colleague and/or Oracle preferred
Experience in a private or nonprofit postsecondary institution preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

Comprehensive knowledge of Title IV regulations and Federal Student Aid programs
Thorough knowledge of North Carolina state financial aid programs and their regulatory requirements
Strong understanding of regulatory reporting, audit preparation, reconciliation, and compliance management
Knowledge of university policies, budget goals, and forecasting
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to interpret and apply complex federal and state regulations
Ability to build effective relationships across departments and with external agencies
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines
Ability to work beyond a “typical” work day and weekends when necessary
Ability to effectively present financial aid policies and information to students, families, and high school counselors during special events
Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and student-centered service

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Directs and oversees all Student Financial Planning operations
Develops departmental goals, service standards, performance metrics, and operational procedures and calendars
Supervises, coaches, trains, and evaluates Student Financial Planning staff
Establishes and maintains policies, procedures, and internal controls that support regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
Serves as the primary authority and manages administration of all federal and state aid programs
Ensures compliance with all Title IV regulations and requirements
Oversees student eligibility determination, verification, packaging, and aid disbursement processes
Oversees Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations and required adjustments
Maintains annual student cost-of-attendance budgets
Oversees reconciliation of all federal and state aid programs in collaboration with Accounting Department
Serves as the institutional subject matter expert regarding student financial aid regulations and best practices
Oversees endowed scholarships awarding processes
Assists, in cooperation with the Office of Institutional Research, with the completion of all institutional, federal and state reports and numerous third-party surveys and questionnaires
Conducts regular internal audits of financial aid files, processes, and controls
Coordinates institutional responses to Department of Education Program Reviews, accreditation reviews, state agency reviews, and annual compliance audits
Develops corrective action plans and monitor remediation efforts when compliance deficiencies are identified
Prepares and submits all required financial aid and regulatory reports to U.S. Department of Education, North Carolina state agencies, and auditors.
Serves as liaison to the national Tuition Exchange Program
Oversees maintenance and annual setup of Colleague and Oracle student information systems for the Office of Student Financial Planning
Oversees all financial aid system operations – implementations, upgrades, and reporting
Maintains and updates all SFP’s publications, including publications collaborated with Admissions
Ensures excellent service to all internal and external constituents
Maintains Policies and Procedures Manuals and internal control memorandums expected by external auditors.
Participates in institutional events and present financial aid information during such events as needed, including nights and weekends
Partners with Student Accounts, Admissions, Registrar, Accounting, Academic Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Student Life, Athletics, and Executive Leadership to support institutional objectives
Represents High Point University and The Office of Student Financial Planning at federal, state, and regional conferences
Other duties and special projects as assigned

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Develops, communicates and implements policies which have university-wide fiscal impact and ensures the policies are consistent with the overall objectives of the university
Contributes to the success of the University through impartial awarding and management of student funding sources
Responsible for the Office of Student Financial Planning operations. Direct reports to this position are the Associate Director, Assistant Director, and Operation Administrator

For more information about this position, please contact Megan Inch, Associate Vice President for Student Accounts and Financial Planning at minch@highpoint.edu

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