Executive director of student financial services

The University of Montana invites applications for the Executive Director of Student Financial Services. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership for Financial Aid and Student Accounts, ensuring an integrated, student-centered approach to financial services. Reporting to the Chief Enrollment Officer, the position is responsible for advancing institutional strategy, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and financial stewardship across the division. The Executive Director serves as the University’s senior leader for student financial services and works collaboratively across campus to support enrollment, student success and retention, and institutional effectiveness.

The position leads organizational development, continuous improvement, and the integration of systems, processes, and services to enhance the student financial experience.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for Student Financial Services, aligning Financial Aid, Scholarships, Student Accounts, and related functions with affordability, enrollment, and student success.
• Oversee Financial Aid and Student Accounts operations, ensuring accurate, timely, efficient, student-centered, and compliant delivery of financial aid, billing, payments, refunds, and account services.
• Lead the integration of financial aid, billing, scholarships, and student employment into a coordinated student financial success one-stop service model, including service standards, outreach, and financial education.
• Direct the strategic use of institutional financial resources, establish policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Provide executive oversight of Student Financial Services systems, technology, data governance, and process improvement in partnership with Information Technology and campus stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Finance, Treasury, Enrollment Services, the Registrar, Admissions, Academic Affairs, and other campus partners to advance retention, student success, financial stewardship, and institutional effectiveness.
• Lead, coach, and develop departmental directors and managers; establish accountability, build organizational capacity, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the University’s senior advisor on student financial services, translating institutional priorities and emerging regulatory, technological, and enrollment needs into operational strategies, resource decisions, and measurable outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education student financial services, including significant responsibility for financial aid, student accounts, bursar operations, or related financial services.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex operational functions and supervising professional staff.
• Experience managing regulatory compliance, implementing technology solutions, and leading organizational improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, innovation, and service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience overseeing both Financial Aid and Student Accounts operations is strongly preferred.

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program. Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

To apply, please upload the following materials: Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information.

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. Background check is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to background investigations per UM's policy and procedure.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.