Associate Director- Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA)

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Associate Director is responsible for setting vision, priorities, and policy for financial aid systems, data governance, reporting, and technology infrastructure. The position focuses on long range planning, cross campus coordination, compliance, and continuous improvement. This role requires close collaboration with campus and system partners and engagement in national, regional, and state financial aid organizations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Systems, Technology, and Infrastructure Oversight
• Provide high level oversight and accountability for financial aid systems, reporting infrastructure, quality assurance frameworks, internal controls, web and communication tools, call center technology, and related hardware and software.
• Responsible for outcomes, performance, and alignment with institutional goals.

Executive Leadership and Strategic Direction
• Serve as a senior member of the OSFA leadership team, providing strategic guidance for office wide planning, policy development, regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship, and organizational priorities.
• Contribute to executive level decision making that shapes the direction and effectiveness of the office.

Enterprise Systems Strategy and Campus Partnership
• Serve as the senior campus lead for the Banner Financial Aid System, establishing strategic direction and priorities in collaboration with central IT and university partners.
• Provide executive oversight for system enhancements, upgrades, and automated solutions, while ensuring the security, integrity, and appropriate governance of student financial aid data.

Strategic Planning, Performance, and Risk Management
• Lead long range systems planning and assess infrastructure needs to support institutional growth, regulatory change, and evolving business requirements.
• Establish metrics, monitoring processes, and reporting structures to evaluate performance, manage risk, and communicate results to leadership.

Leadership of Systems Unit Management
• Provide leadership and direction to the Assistant Director of the Systems Unit, setting expectations, priorities, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure alignment with broad office and institutional strategies.

Policy Development and Regulatory Oversight
• Lead the development, approval, and implementation of policies and procedures related to systems, data, and reporting.
• Ensure sustained compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and proactively assess the impact of regulatory or system changes.

Continuous Improvement and Strategic Problem Solving
• Identify systemic challenges, emerging risks, and opportunities for innovation.
• Lead cross functional initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery, focusing on long term impact rather than operational troubleshooting.

Financial Aid Reporting Governance
• Provide executive oversight of complex financial aid reporting and data requests, ensuring appropriate prioritization, data integrity, and consistency.
• Maintain accountability for the reporting framework and inventory while operational execution is handled by the Systems Unit.

Data Analysis and Executive Decision Support
• Oversee the use of financial aid data for institutional research, external reporting, surveys, and executive decision making.
• Ensure analyses are accurate, timely, and aligned with strategic objectives.

Other Duties as Assigned
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director in support of the mission and strategic objectives of the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or in leadership roles supporting large scale enterprise systems, data, and software applications.

• Demonstrated experience in complex, highly regulated environments

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in Computer Science or a related technical field is preferred; however, non technical majors will be considered when accompanied by substantial, relevant experience leading enterprise systems, data, or technology enabled operations.

• Master’s degree

• Experience working in or supporting a financial aid office.

• Experience with the Banner Financial Aid System, AppWorx/Automic Automated Job scheduling, Microsoft Office, PowerBI, SQLServer, Oracle, .NET and web application development environments, with emphasis on strategic oversight.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight of comprehensive financial aid operations within a large, complex institution.

• Ability to provide strategic direction, set priorities, and ensure accountability through others.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Ability to use sound judgment and make effective decisions.

• Ability to think critically, creatively, and analytically in complex and evolving environments.

• Ability to lead through influence and collaboration, work effectively across organizational boundaries, and balance long term strategic objectives with operational realities.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, and experience overseeing complex initiatives through delegated leadership.

• Ability to ensure high-quality customer service through the development and oversight of compliant, efficient operational processes and systems

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The salary range for this position is $100,000- $115,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 3, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting.For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities of this role. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1035083
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu