Director of Student Financial Services

Director of Student Financial Services

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.

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
• Financial Aid Administration & Compliance
• Student Accounts & Service Excellence
• Systems, Reporting & Operations
• Collaboration & Campus Integration
• Staff Management

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Inspires and guides others with clarity, compassion, and accountability; supports individual and team growth in alignment with Principia's mission and goals.
• Culture & Team Building: Fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication; demonstrates genuine care for team members' well-being and development.
• Resource Stewardship: Manages budgets, time, and resources responsibly and strategically to achieve departmental and institutional objectives.
• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly and compassionately.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia's guiding statements
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in student financial services at a Title IV-eligible institution
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, including Title IV compliance
• Experience with financial aid management systems and automated student account platforms
• Strong analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education administration, finance, or a related field
• Experience supporting a new or expanding Title IV program

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive starting salary range for this position: $78,145 - $87,910 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principiaas an institution with a religious missiongives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.