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 Youll Bring

• Education: Bachelors degree required.
• Experience: 57 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: $95000 to $125000; 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 or call .

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