Executive Director, Admissions & Financial Aid

Title: Executive Director for Admissions and Financial Aid

Department: Enrollment, Marketing & Communications

Location: Belmont, California (Hybrid)

Reports to: Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Target Salary: $150,000-170,000 / year

Position Summary:

The Executive Director for Admissions and Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s enrollment management functions, including student recruitment, admissions, and financial aid. This position plays a critical role in shaping NDNU’s enrollment strategy, advancing access and affordability, and ensuring a seamless, student-centered experience from inquiry to enrollment. The Executive Director leads a cross-functional team responsible for meeting enrollment goals, strengthening recruitment pipelines, and administering financial aid programs in alignment with NDNU’s mission, strategic priorities, and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Working with key stakeholders, develop and implement a comprehensive, data-informed enrollment strategy for each NDNU school that supports NDNU’s growth and mission-driven priorities.
• Collaborate with academic, marketing, partnerships, and student success leaders to align recruitment, financial aid, and retention efforts.
• Analyze market trends, student demographics, and program performance to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Serve as a senior advisor on enrollment and financial aid policy, compliance, and innovation.

Admissions Management

• Oversee all degree completion and graduate admissions operations, ensuring an efficient and personalized applicant experience.
• Lead the development of recruitment strategies, partnering with the Marketing and Strategic Partnerships teams.
• Ensure timely and data-driven admissions processes that reflect NDNU’s commitment to diversity, access, and academic quality.
• Act as the PDSO (Principal Designated School Official) responsible for overseeing a school's compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

Financial Aid Administration

• Direct all financial aid operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Design and manage financial aid strategies that maximize access, affordability, and fiscal responsibility.
• Execute forecasting, modeling, and optimizing the university’s financial aid budget.
• Promote transparent communication and counseling practices that help students make informed financial decisions.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across admissions and financial aid.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on student success and continuous improvement.
• Represent NDNU at external community events, recruitment fairs, and professional associations.

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree in higher education, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in admissions, financial aid, or enrollment management.
• Proven success in developing and executing enrollment strategies that achieve or exceed institutional goals.
• Strong understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations, compliance, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to use data analytics, CRM systems, and technology to drive decision-making and improve outcomes.
• Exceptional leadership, team building, communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to NDNU’s mission of social justice, diversity, and inclusive education.

Preferred:

• Experience in an adult-serving, online, and/or hybrid higher education environment.
• Familiarity with Element451, or similar CRM systems.

Application Procedures:

NDNU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse student population. In your cover letter, please include information about your experiences in working in a diverse environment, and what qualities you would bring to supporting this commitment to inclusive excellence at NDNU.

EEOC Policy:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.