Director of Student Financial Services

Title: Director of Student Financial Services Department/Location : College Financial Services/Elsah, IL Position Type : Full-Time, 12-month Summary The Director of Student Financial Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the College’s Student Financial Services function, including the implementation of Title IV federal financial aid programs. This position is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, accurate financial aid awarding and disbursement, effective management of student accounts, and the delivery of clear, compassionate, and timely financial guidance to students and families. Reporting to the Senior Director of College Business and Operations, the Director plays a critical role in establishing compliant systems, building staff capacity, and fostering a service‑oriented environment that supports student access, affordability, and persistence. Who We Are At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends. At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference. Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. Primary Responsibilities Leadership & Strategic Planning Provides leadership and direction for the Student Financial Services office, including organizational planning, workflow design, and staff development Collaborates with College leadership to develop and execute a financial aid and student accounts strategy aligned with institutional mission, enrollment goals, and compliance requirements Serves as a key partner in the College’s transition to full Title IV participation, ensuring systems, processes, and controls meet federal and state standards Financial Aid Administration & Compliance Oversees the determination of student eligibility, accurate packaging, awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation of financial aid in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations Ensures compliance with all Title IV requirements, including but not limited to cash management, Return to Title IV (R2T4), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), verification, and reporting obligations, collaborating with Principia’s Compliance Program Manager Monitors and administers federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work‑Study, state grants and loans, and institutional scholarships and discounts Develops, implements, maintains, and regularly updates policies and procedures related to financial aid and student accounts to ensure ongoing compliance and audit readiness. Stays current with regulatory changes and best practices and translates requirements into actionable institutional processes. Student Accounts & Service Excellence Promotes early, proactive, and transparent communication with students and families regarding financial aid, educational financing, billing timelines, and financial responsibilities Responds to and resolves complex student and family inquiries with professionalism, empathy, and clarity Systems, Reporting & Operations Leads the installation, configuration, and ongoing management of financial aid and student account software systems and related automated processes Coordinates the preparation and distribution of print and electronic communications, forms, and disclosure materials Serves as liaison with Institutional Research and other offices to ensure accurate and timely reporting, including FISAP, IPEDS, and other required federal and institutional reports Collaboration & Campus Integrati