Asst. VP for Financial Aid

The Student Success division at the University of South Florida, is comprised of 60 departments, providing students with academic support, engagement opportunities, health & wellness services and enhancement of the educational experience. The Office of Financial Aid, a department within Student Success, administers financial assistance and education to students, prospective students and their parents.

The Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid is responsible for coordinating and administering all student financial assistance awarded to USF students, in compliance with Federal State and Institutional regulations and guidelines. The office is the main point of contact for all financial aid program information for current and prospective students and parents. The office is responsible for: coordinating and managing the awarding and disbursement of over $350 million in financial aid funds on an annual basis; interpreting changes to federal, state and institutional regulations and translating the effect/impact to students and parents in a manner they can understand, particularly first generation students; providing an array of financial aid support options for students and their families; and providing oversight to monitor the entire process to ensure institutional compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
 

• Provide leadership, oversight, and direction to the Financial Aid unit to enhance the productivity and efficiency of processes, procedures, programs, and projects. Responsible for the accurate, efficient, and timely delivery of student aid in compliance with all applicable regulations. Manage the evaluation and decision-making process of financial aid and scholarships.
• Monitor and interpret changes in financial aid and scholarships policies at the state and federal levels and keep apprised of updated university policies impacting financial aid and scholarships. Maintain current working knowledge of and ensure compliance with all federal Title IV, state of Florida, and University regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as NCAA rules and regulations. Develop and recommend policies for financial aid and scholarships that support the mission and goals of the University while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Support and participate in the implementation of the strategies directly related to the University's enrollment initiatives and goals.
• Acts as an integral part of the enrollment management leadership team in the creation, implementation, and execution of a strategic financial aid plan using data-informed decisions to maximize financial resources for the recruitment and retention of students. Manage and submit all reports including but not limited to the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), the Program Participation Agreement (PPA), IPEDS, CDS, Board of Governors Student Financial Aid report, reports required of the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance, and various external surveys. Provide oversight and management over all audit functions, both internal and external, related to financial aid and scholarships. Ensure that appropriate action plans are developed and implemented to address any audit findings and recommendations.
• Serve as a compliance focused and conscientious steward of confidential data, maintaining responsibility for the management and security of student financial aid and other personally identifiable information. Address all concerns and issues from students, parents, and administrators pertaining to the core functions of financial aid and scholarships in a diplomatic and thoughtful manner. Allocate and monitor operating budgets for the Office of Financial Aid.
• Provide direction for the Financial Education Bull2Bull financial wellness and literacy program. Develop a close working and collaborative relationship with the academic colleges and departments, as well as campus administrative and student success departments.
   

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of 10 years of related exempt level experience, including seven years of managerial experience, preferably in large complex institutions or organizations. Requires experience in leading multiple teams, projects, programs, and/or functions.
FLSB 1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly related work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. 
• Ten or more years of demonstrated leadership in the field of financial aid and scholarships. 
• Supervisory experience in a university financial aid office.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work with diverse members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators. 
• Demonstrated ability for effective organizational skills and ability to connect institutional strategy with financial aid programs and practices. 
• Ability to synthesize and analyze quantitative and qualitative data and prepare and present reports effectively.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to the functions managed by this position. 
• Knowledge and understanding of integrated program planning, development, and administration within a public institution environment. 
• Technical leadership and supervisory skills, and the ability to motivate staff productivity and performance.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and fiscal services.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.