Description
We are seeking an experienced and student-centered Assistant Director of Financial Aid to join our Enrollment Management team. This position provides leadership in daily financial aid operations while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Assistant Director plays a vital role in promoting access, affordability, and student success by balancing operational oversight with high-quality student advising.
In this role, the Assistant Director will manage federal, state, and institutional aid programs, oversee the use of financial aid systems (PowerFAIDS), and conduct regular quality control reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance. The position serves as a trusted resource for students and families, providing expert guidance on aid eligibility, funding options, and financial literacy. Collaboration with campus partners—including the Business Office and Career Services—is essential to support programs such as Federal Work-Study and to strengthen the overall delivery of financial aid services.
The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) and have at least three years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration. A strong knowledge of Title IV regulations, proficiency with financial aid systems and federal tools such as COD, NSLDS, and EdConnect, and the ability to exercise sound professional judgment are required. Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills are essential, along with a demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and student success.
CIA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you are passionate about leveraging digital marketing to enhance engagement and connect with audiences in meaningful ways, we invite you to apply and be part of an institution that values creativity, innovation, and storytelling.
Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. CIA offers a benefit package including; paid time off accrual, 13 paid holidays, as well as additional time off while the college is closed during winter break. CIA offers health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 403B retirement contribution, tuition remission, free campus parking, and inter-museum council discounts.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled.
CIA is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively recruits individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, CIA complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity or national origin.
ABOUT CIA
CIA is also a great place to work, and manifesting a positive culture and sense of belonging is a big part of who we are. We work hard and are proud of our employees’ collective contribution to our mission -- but we also play hard and like to have fun. We challenge and support one another, integrate our institutional values in our work in a meaningful way, celebrate our successes, embrace learning and continuous improvement in all that we do, and are driven by our students’ success and the creative environment that inspires us every day.
CIA is one of the nation's leading accredited independent colleges of art and design. Since 1882, the college has been an educational and cultural cornerstone in Cleveland, Ohio, producing graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, photographers, contemporary craftspeople, and educators. With approximately 600 students, CIA offers a personal educational experience with the benefits of a larger institution. CIA students can choose from 13 majors in fine and applied art, each leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Students live and work in Cleveland’s University Circle, one of the country’s most unique cultural centers – recently named by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Best Arts Districts in the country.
The mission of CIA is to cultivate creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design. For more information, visit www.cia.edu
