Posting number: NC-2774
Department: - Not in the Classified Service, See Posting
Job classification: X - Job Not in Classified Service
Posting type: NON COVERED PSA
Categories: Accounting and Finance, Miscellaneous
HOW TO APPLY: Click Here:
Senior Director of Financial Aid - WV Higher Education Policy Commission - Kanawha Co.
Salary Range: $100,000 – $120,000
The Senior Director of Financial Aid provides strategic and operational leadership for the administration of West Virginia state-supported financial aid programs and associated financial aid systems. This position oversees financial aid program operations, regulatory compliance, systems administration, staff supervision, budget oversight, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the accurate, efficient, and compliant delivery of aid services statewide. The role serves as the primary liaison with federal and state agencies, educational institutions, and external partners, while directing business process improvements, system enhancements, audit activities, reporting functions, and professional development initiatives. The Interim Senior Director manages complex financial aid operations, supervises assigned staff, monitors program and office budgets, and provides expert guidance on financial aid policy, federal regulations, and eligibility requirements to support institutional and student success objectives.
Financial Aid Program Leadership & Compliance (35%)
Provide executive-level oversight of all West Virginia state-supported financial aid programs.
Ensure accurate and timely award processing, notifications, eligibility determinations, compliance reporting, and audit readiness.
Maintain expert knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, federal methodology, and the Student Aid Index (SAI) and their impact on state and institutional aid eligibility.
Lead audits of participating institutions and respond to audit findings.
Administer Cohort Default Rate support initiatives for participating institutions.
Serve as Primary Destination Point Administrator with the U.S. Department of Education, including:
Authorizing and maintaining access to EDConnect and ISIR files.
Serving as NSLDS Administrator.
Maintaining Program Participation Agreements (PPA) with the U.S. Department of Education.
Systems Administration, Operations & Process Improvement (25%)
Oversee and optimize financial aid technology systems, including Salesforce, Middleware, Oracle, FAMS, and related applications.
Lead business process analysis, system enhancements, and automation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Identify systemic risks, trends, and processing challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
Serve as Salesforce Administrator by:
Maintaining Salesforce applications, workflows, and data integrity.
Monitoring tickets and Omni-Channel operations.
Troubleshooting system issues and resolving data quality concerns, including duplicate records.
Monitor and improve operational processes supporting statewide financial aid administration.
Staff Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)
Directly supervise assigned Financial Aid and Outreach staff.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, coaching, discipline, and professional development activities.
Establish performance expectations, accountability measures, and operational goals.
Approve timecards, leave requests, travel reimbursements, and related personnel actions.
Provide guidance and support to staff responsible for administering financial aid programs.
Maintain relationships with institutional partners, including BridgeValley, Mountwest, Eastern, and shared financial aid service operations.
Lead division-wide communications regarding financial aid eligibility, awards, compliance requirements, and system updates.
Deliver or oversee training for financial aid professionals, counselors, and stakeholders statewide.
Present at conferences, workshops, advisory board meetings, and external stakeholder events as a subject matter expert.
Financial Management, Reporting & Vendor Administration (20%)
Oversee the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of complex financial aid reports for executive leadership, legislators, educational agencies, and institutional partners.
Coordinate development of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Aid Report in collaboration with Research and Analysis.
Manage office operating budgets and financial aid award budgets.
Oversee invoice processing, financial closings, and monitoring of outstanding balances.
Manage vendor and partner relationships, including Heartland ECSI and other contracted service providers.
Monitor payments, loan advances, promissory notes, collection activities, refunds, and related financial transactions.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure LevelUp invoices are processed and paid appropriately.
Administer contracts, procurement activities, and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including oversight of major financial aid service agreements such as the Net Price Calculator and Heartland ECSI contracts. QualificationsMINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education:Bachelor’s degree requiredMaster’s degree strongly preferredWork Experience:Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible financial aid or higher-education administration experienceDemonstrated leadership over programs, systems, or teamsState-level financial aid administration experience strongly preferredApplication Requirements:
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions of its staff.
Employer: WV Higher Education Policy Commission
Address: 2001 Union Carbide Drive Building 2000 South Charleston, West Virginia, 25303
Phone: 304-558-2104
Website: http://WVHEPC.edu
Why Work With Us?
Great careers aren't just about the job — they're about the whole package.
At the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council), we're looking for talented people who want more than just a paycheck. If you value purpose-driven work, financial security, and time to live your life, keep reading.
At the Commission and Council, we work every day to expand educational opportunities and improve quality of life for West Virginians. We know education is essential to building a strong workforce—today and for the future—and our efforts impact 60,000 students each year. In partnership with our state’s colleges and universities, we strive to make post-secondary education more affordable, accessible, and attainable.
Shorter Work Week: 37.5 hours — not the standard 40
Flexibility: Hybrid schedule with remote and in-office days
Time Off: 24 days annual leave + 18 days sick leave + all WV state holidays
Retirement: 401(a) with 6% match, plus 403(b) & 457(b) options
Healthcare: Multiple medical plans + comprehensive ancillary benefits
Environment: You'll work in a modern office with real amenities — think outside walking paths, an on-campus café, and plenty of space to spread out. But it's not just about space. It's about a culture that gives you room to grow and work that actually matters.
Most people gloss over retirement benefits. Don't.
Our plan isn't your grandfather's pension — it's better. With a 6% employer match on your 401(a) and access to both 403(b) and 457(b) accounts, you can strategically save in ways that could replace well over 100% of your working income when you retire. That's not a typo. That's planning done right.
24 days of annual leave accrued per year18 days of sick leave — because life happensEvery West Virginia state holiday — and if you know WV, you know that's a lot of days offAdd it all up, and you'll have the time you need to travel, rest, handle family obligations, or simply enjoy a long weekend.
Our hybrid work model gives you the best of both worlds — in-office collaboration and the convenience of remote work. And we don't just offer flexibility; we equip you for it. Expect dual monitors, quality peripherals, and the tools you need to be productive at home and in the office.
Health coverage: Choose from multiple medical plan options tailored to different needs and budgets.Ancillary benefits: Dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA options, and more — the full suite of coverage to protect you and your family.The Work Itself
Let's not forget why you're here: the job.
Challenging, engaging work that keeps you learningA service-oriented mission where your efforts create real impact in higher education policyOpportunities for advancement — we promote from within and invest in your growthA welcoming office environment — modern space, good people, positive cultureThe Bottom Line
You deserve a workplace that respects your time, invests in your future, and gives you room to thrive. That's exactly what you'll find at the Commission and Council. Interested? Let's talk.
This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the position incumbent. Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related activities assigned by their supervisor. Most requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, students, other employees, or the general public.
Wild & Wonderful West Virginia is a U.S. state located in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the north, and Maryland to the northeast. West Virginia is the 41st largest by area and the 38th most populous of the 50 United States. The capital and largest city is Charleston.
