Financial Aid Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Hawaii

The Director of Financial Aid and Associate Director of Admissions plays a pivotal role in our institution's success by managing a substantial financial aid budget and assisting in both the admissions and re-enrollment processes. Reporting directly to the Director of Enrollment Management, this dual-role position is critical for achieving our enrollment and financial goals. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Strategic Financial Management: Oversee and manage a $10 million financial aid budget to support the institution’s goals for enrollment and net tuition revenue. Develop and implement a strategic financial aid plan that aligns with the school's broader strategic objectives.
• Enrollment and Admissions Leadership: Work collaboratively with the Admissions team to design and execute marketing strategies that enhance recruitment efforts and drive the enrollment of a diverse and qualified student body.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Shape and communicate the values and philosophy of the Financial Aid program to various stakeholders, enhancing transparency and understanding.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Partner closely with the Director of Enrollment Management and the Business Office to engage in critical discussions about net tuition revenue, manage financial aid processes effectively, and re-enrollment efforts.
• Team and Relationship Management: Lead a dedicated financial aid team, ensuring exceptional service throughout all financial aid applicant touchpoints from initial contact to post-decision stages. Build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders and support admissions events.
• Analytical and Data-Driven Leadership: Utilize strong analytical skills to guide data-driven decisions, prioritize tasks efficiently, and meet critical deadlines.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in financial aid management and admissions within an educational setting, demonstrating the ability to oversee large budgets and formulate strategic plans effectively. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential for this role, as is a strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capacity. Experience in developing and implementing marketing strategies and engaging with diverse audiences is also crucial. The candidate must also be committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Position Details:

• Work Year: 12 month
• Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. After work hours, weekends, holidays for special events as needed.
• Starting Hourly Rate*: $51.80/hour 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Five (5) years of work experience in an independent school environment with three (3) years of experience in financial aid.
• Experience with admission and financial aid software (SSS and Blackbaud software preferred).
• Experience with project management.
• Warm and hospitable speaking and written communication skills.
• Meticulous organizational and project management skills with empathetic flexibility to adapt.
• High aptitude for technology and data management systems (e.g. Blackbaud, MailChimp, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and facilitate an equitable financial aid experience.
• Possess a collaborative, go-getter attitude to partner effectively and efficiently with members of the Financial Aid and Admissions Team, faculty, administrators, and other school departments.

 
*Punahou School offers a comprehensive total rewards program that includes competitive pay and benefits. The pay rate, if displayed, is the minimum hourly rate for the position. Pay for selected candidates will be determined by various factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, relevant training and experience, and internal equity.