Job Description

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director for Operations, the Senior Assistant Director for Federal Programs oversees core functions within the Operations unit of OFA, focusing on the operational lifecycle within federal financial aid. Reporting to the Associate Director for Operations, the Senior Assistant Director for Federal Programs oversees core functions within the Operations unit of OFA, focusing on the operational lifecycle within federal financial aid. The Senior Assistant Director ensures that processing activities are managed efficiently, effectively and in a way to keep the University in compliance with current and new requirements and regulations regarding federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid sources. This objective is met in a manner that best serves the students of CSU.

Description of Work Unit: 

The Office of Financial Aid oversees and administers financial aid, billing, residency, and student employment. The office operates under the Division of Enrollment and Access to provide student-centered assistance by working under federal, state, and university guidance, enabling students to enroll, manage their finances, achieve their academic goals, and graduate in a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, arts, agricultural sciences, or related field.
• Three years of progressive managerial experience (at the Assistant Director level or above) in a Title IV financial aid office with demonstrated knowledge of financial aid program administration and experience in campus-level implementation of regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated acumen of federal student aid eligibility rules, application intake and verification processes, needs analysis and professional judgement, financial aid packaging concepts, student loan and federal Pell grant processes.
• Excellent written communications skills, as demonstrated by application materials submitted.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering excellent service to students, families, and both on- and off-campus constituents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, arts, agricultural sciences, or related field.
• Functional expertise in Ellucian’s Banner student information system.
• Demonstrated leadership in the field of financial aid administration through involvement in trade associations, a record of professional presentations, engagement in board service, and advocacy.
• A commitment to upholding CSU’s Land Grant Mission.

Application Instructions:

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date; The Office of Financial Aid will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. 
• For full consideration, all materials must be received by 12:00 am (MT) on 07/21/2026. 
• Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume as one document that demonstrates any and all of the required and preferred qualifications that they meet.
• This position is a full-time appointment, based on the CSU Fort Collins campus, with the potential for flexible work arrangements including hybrid office/remote work.

Salary Range

$88,000 - $92,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.