Vice President, Financial Aid

Vice President Financial Aid

Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Exempt, Regular, Full-Time

The Vice President Financial Aid (VP) will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the administration of all of our federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

The VP ensures full regulatory compliance while advancing a high-quality, learner-centered service model that supports enrollment, retention, and learner success. In addition, they are responsible for developing and implementing a financial aid strategy, utilizing advanced modeling to inform recruitment, retention and graduation goals. We seek a financial aid leader that brings an approach that is data-informed, with a strong operational acumen and a resolve to the delivery of high-touch, leaner-centered services. They will also drive continuous improvement with data analytics, process optimization, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance operational efficiency, and service delivery in support of the overall learner experience.

Relocation to the Maryland / DC /Northern Virginia metro area is required. Upon relocation, this position operates in a hybrid model with three (3) days per week on-site.

Leadership & Operations

Provides strategic leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of institutional financial aid policies and procedures

Serves as the primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Education and other regulatory agencies on all financial aid matters

Establishes and maintains policies, workflows, and service standards that support accurate, efficient, and compliant administration of financial aid programs

Leads financial aid operations, including awarding, packaging, verification, disbursement, loan processing, grants, scholarships, and records management

Oversees the operating budget and ensures responsible stewardship of federal, state and institutional funds

Prepares forecasts and supports planning through accurate reporting

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensures institutional compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations

Oversees audits, program reviews, and required reporting including but not limited to audit preparation and responses, as well as strong internal controls and quality assurance practices

Monitors regulatory developments and advise leadership on operational and policy implications

Remains apprised of the changing federal guidelines to support UMGC learners

Strategy & Enrollment Alignment

Develops and implements a sophisticated financial aid strategy aligned with UMGC’s enrollment management plan

Advances a learner-centered service model by establishing service standards and ensuring responsive, accurate, and accessible support across multiple service channels

Leads financial aid modeling efforts and partners with Admissions to support recruitment and conversion strategies

Translates institutional priorities into operational financial practices that support access, retention, and student success

Oversees the design and delivery of customer service strategies that enhance the learner experience and support recruitment and retention goals

Champions the responsible use of AI and automation technologies (e.g., virtual assistants, predictive analytics, intelligent document processing) to improve service responsiveness, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making

Designs and applies assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid strategies and initiatives

Monitors and assesses service performance using key metrics (e.g., response times, resolution rates, learner satisfaction) and implements continuous improvement initiatives

Leads, mentors, and develops staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence in learner service

Collaboration & Student Experience

Partners with institutional stakeholders, to optimize systems and implement scalable, technology-enabled solutions via AI and other optimization platforms

Designs and applies assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid strategies and initiatives

Identifies and implements process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across all financial aid functions

Works with Marketing and Communications to provide clear and timely financial aid information to students and families

Partners with the Registrar and other campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery

Data, Analytics & Financial Stewardship

Uses data and analytics to inform operational decisions, workload planning, and resource allocation

Provides reporting and insights to Enrollment Management leadership to support recruitment and retention goals

Identifies trends and recommends strategic adjustments to financial aid practices

Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the COO

Required education & experience: A demonstrated track record of achieving results and getting things done; an earned Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning; at least 10 years of progressively responsible or senior leadership experience in higher education financial aid; deep knowledge of Federal Title IV regulations and Direct Loan Program administration; demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements; proven leadership and management experience in a complex organizational environment; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting; familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and service delivery platforms; working knowledge of AI-enabled tools and data analytics to support operational and service improvements; familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and service delivery platforms; working knowledge of AI-enabled tools and data analytics to support operational and service improvements; demonstrated experience leading learner-facing service operations or customer support functions; experience implementing technology-driven improvements, including automation or AI-enabled solutions; and must meet and maintain federal and state system access requirements with NSLDS.

Preferred experience: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting; experience with PeopleSoft Learner Administration or comparable enterprise learner information systems; track record of deploying AI or advanced technologies to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, or compliance outcomes; demonstrated success improving learner satisfaction, access, and service performance metrics; as well as excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC’s Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu.

Benefits Package Highlights:

Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 16 paid holidays (17 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.

Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.

Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).

Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.

Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: $250,000.00 - $260,000.00