Radford University is seeking their next Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management & Director of Financial Aid. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management & Strategic Communications (VPEMSC), the Associate Vice President & Director of Financial Aid (AVP/DFA) is responsible for the strategic leadership and administration of Radford University's financial aid programs. The AVP/DFA will be a collaborative partner within the University and with Virginia peers and officials. The AVP/DFA will ensure the timely distribution of aid, accurate reporting, and compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations while ensuring an exemplary level of customer service for students and their families.
With a senior leadership team of three, the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management & Director of Financial Aid will supervise an overall financial aid team of 17 full-time staff, and 10 student workers, by providing mentorship and professional development support. The AVP/DFA will collaborate with university and state officials to optimize enrollment and retention through financial strategies and seek resolutions that benefit students while upholding the highest standards of ethics. The AVP/DFA will serve as part of the Enrollment Management leadership team and assist the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Strategic Communications in executive decision-making and committee participation.
The Associate Vice President and Director of Financial Aid will participate in university-wide efforts to lower barriers to student enrollment and enhance student success. In addition, the AVP/DFA will oversee financial-aid software (Banner) and reporting tools to generate reports to include but not limited to: Loan balances, defaults, cost-of- attendance surveys, and financial aid expenditures.
Responsibilities
The essential responsibilities for the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management & Director of Financial Aid include the following:
Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as a key member of the Enrollment Management Leadership team by providing strategic leadership and operational oversight, analysis, and perspective related to meeting annual enrollment goals;
- Co-lead the Enrollment Operations Group, which consists of unit leaders such as the registrar, dean of students, and AVP of Student Success;
- Develop and implement financial aid policies and procedures aligned with institutional goals and regulatory requirements;
- Provide leadership and supervision, and foster a culture of care, collaboration, and continuous improvement with a highly qualified and talented staff;
- Collaborate with enrollment management, admissions, and student success teams to enhance recruitment, retention, and graduation rates;
- Assist with the administration and disbursement of student/athletic scholarships and university foundation awards;
- Lead initiatives to improve financial aid awareness and accessibility for underrepresented and disadvantaged student populations;
- Advise the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Strategic Communications on enrollment conditions, trends, and best practices as they relate to financial aid and enrollment goals; and
- Present financial modeling and outcomes to cabinet-level leadership.
Compliance and Reporting
- Ensure institutional compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations (Title IV, state grants, institutional scholarships, etc.);
- Prepare annual funds request process using the supplied software programs of the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia and the US Department of Education;
- Complete the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) edits using appropriate software;
- Maintain expertise in financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices, implementing necessary changes as laws and guidelines evolve;
- Manage financial aid audits, reporting, and accreditation requirements;
- Lead financial aid packaging, disbursement, and reconciliation processes in coordination with the university's finance and bursar offices;
- Administer the NCAA Student Athlete Scholarship Award and notification process adhering to NCAA rules and regulations;
- Oversee the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, ensuring timely and accurate processing;
- Develop and implement financial literacy and outreach programs to educate students and families on financial aid options and responsible borrowing;
- Attend local, state, regional and national meetings to assure institutional compliance and represent Radford University's best interest; and
- Resolve complex student financial aid issues while providing excellent customer service.
Systems Management and Data Acumen
- Oversee the use of financial aid management systems (Banner experience highly desired) to optimize and streamline processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and the student experience;
- Collaborate with internal colleagues to effectively manage and assess the effectiveness of existing software to achieve institutional goals;
- Implement data-driven decision-making to improve financial aid operations and student outcomes; and
- Analyze financial aid data and trends to support strategic planning and budget forecasting.
Essential Skills, Qualifications and Characteristics
A bachelor's degree is required and an advanced degree strongly preferred. A record of success in financial aid with 5-7 years of progressive leadership in financial aid administration is required. In addition, the AVP/Director should demonstrate many of the following essential qualifications, skills, and characteristics:
- Supervisory experience leading a team of financial aid professionals and a willingness to mentor and empower a dedicated staff;
- Expert knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations (Title IV), and compliance requirements;
- Exceptional leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills;
- Collaborative leader with an approach that prioritizes mentorship, cross training, empowerment and transparency.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities;
- Proficiency with financial aid management systems; ability to implement processes and tactics and apply data informed decision making;
- Strong public speaking, communication, and customer service skills for student and family outreach; ability to communicate complex financial aid information to a variety of constituencies.
- Commitment to inclusive and best practices in financial aid practices, specifically evidence of working to lower barriers for low-income populations;
- Experience with financial aid modeling; ability to utilize financial aid to optimize enrollment goals;
- Familiarity working in a public university setting; experience, or willingness to learn, the distribution of state-specific aid programs within the Commonwealth of Virginia desired; and
- Familiarity with financial literacy initiatives and student debt management strategies.
Radford University
Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,812 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 75 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 21 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate.
A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.
Radford University delivers a high-quality, affordable education that prepares all kinds of students for career and life success. With campuses nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small, student-centered learning community offers career-driven and leadership experiences from day one. Radford inspires curiosity, independence and fearlessness in students and supports their intellectual exploration with access to high-end facilities. Radford maintains a close-knit and supportive environment where each student feels seen and accepted. At Radford, students have the freedom to try new things, learn from their experiences, and discover their own pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.
Enrollment and Financial Aid
Despite obstacles that include downward trends in nationwide higher education enrollment, federal financial aid form (“FAFSA Simplification”) difficulties and a five-year decline in the university’s overall student population, Radford saw significant growth in both its enrollment and retention figures in the 2024-25 academic year, which has continued into 2025-26.
Overall university enrollment grew by 3.7% from fall 2023 to fall 2024, including an additional 295 full-time students on the main campus in Radford. Local student enrollment was a contributing factor, including 166% growth from Radford City Schools. In February, the university reported a spring retention rate and a fall graduation rate of 94%, Radford’s highest rate since 2018. Pell grant recipients, who make up more than 40% of the university’s undergraduate student population, were retained at 90% - the highest rate in 15 years.
Several key access and affordability initiatives have made a Radford University degree more attainable than ever. Benefits from the Radford Tuition Promise, which covers tuition costs for Virginians with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less, were extended to over 2,200 students this fall. Direct Admission, introduced for qualified students, simplified the application process for the incoming class. These efforts helped Radford University achieve its highest percentage of year-over-year new student growth (freshmen and transfers) since 1975.
Location
Radford, VA is a small city of 17,000, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered by the New River on three sides, the second oldest river in the world. Radford is known for its outdoor recreation, and its history stretches back to the late 1700s and is prominently featured in its historic architecture and landmarks. Radford’s main street is filled with locally owned eateries, coffee shops, and stores, providing a central gathering place for the community. The city has been actively revitalizing its downtown, with new businesses and cultural events enhancing the urban core. The New River Valley is home to Giles, Pulaski, Montgomery, and Floyd counties, as well as the City of Radford. It holds a place for outdoor adventurers, culture seekers through the many events taking place at Radford University, and food enthusiasts.
Radford is just 36 miles southwest of the city of Roanoke, Virginia, and within easy driving distance of many mid-East Coast metropolitan areas. Richmond is only a three and a half hour drive, while Washington, D.C., and the Tidewater area are only about four and a half hours away.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation for the position will be competitive and based on the skills and experience of the selected candidate and the agreed upon portfolio of responsibilities. This is a hybrid position based in Radford, Virginia. Additionally, Radford College offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.
To Apply
To arrange for a confidential conversation or to nominate someone for this position, please contact Robin Reynders (robin.reynders@nessearches.com) or Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com). To apply, send 1) a resume, 2) a detailed letter of interest regarding your interest in the position of Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Director of Financial Aid at Radford University, and 3) contact information for five professional references by email to: radford@nessearches.com. For best consideration, submit materials by December 5, 2025; the search will remain open until the position is filled. The expected start date will be February 2026. All applications and nominations will be considered confidential, and notice will be given before references are contacted.
Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.