Director of Financial Aid Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Director of Financial Aid roles sit firmly in the specialty occupation category, making H-1B visa and E-3 visa sponsorship realistic for qualified candidates. Employers at universities and colleges regularly file Labor Condition Applications for this title, and your advanced degree in higher education administration, finance, or a related field anchors the petition.
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Get Access To All JobsMARYVILLE COLLEGE STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Director of Financial Aid
Department: Financial Aid
Title of Immediate Supervisor: VP of Admissions & Financial Aid
Funded Term / Work Cycle: 12 months, full-time
Expected Daily Work Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Pay Grade: 11S
Starting Salary Expectations: $69,535.57 - $78,227.515 with starting salary determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.
About Maryville College:
Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America’s oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we’ve educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.
Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live “strong of mind and brave of heart,” carrying forward our Presbyterian founder’s charge to do good on the largest possible scale.
Mission
At Maryville College, we offer more than a mission—we offer support. Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being.
“Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world.”
Values:
- Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.
- Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.
- Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.
SUMMARY
The Director of Financial Aid administers, controls, and coordinates federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds from numerous individual programs. Ensures compliance with all laws and regulations through accurate reporting and auditing and resolves any issues related to auditors' findings. Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Director of Financial Aid serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and has responsibility for the Office of Student Financial Aid and Student Employment and administers the student financial aid program including federal, state, and local funds.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Masters degree preferred.
3-5 years of increased administrative responsibilities for financial aid programs at a college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with Power-FAIDS, J1, and Slate are preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Supervise and mentor financial aid staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and systems to optimize aid distribution and student support.
- Manages and supervises all financial aid processes for awarding student loans, grants, Tennessee lottery and scholarship packages for new and returning students.
- Fosters and maintains excellent communications with other campus offices.
- Develops and directs financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management and budget objectives of the College and by administering financial aid, scholarships and student employment programs that support student recruitment and retention.
- Conducts financial aid presentations at open houses and Admissions events.
- Contributes to student satisfaction through delivery of quality customer services in administration, financial aid, and student employment.
- Administering financial aid, scholarships, and student employment programs that support student retention and recruitment.
Data, Technology, and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all Title IV, state, and institutional regulations.
- Proactively communicate changes with staff and supervisors in federal and state financial aid regulations and provide recommendations for necessary policy, procedural, and operational adjustments.
- Prepare and submit all required federal and state financial aid reports to outside reporting agencies.
- Serve as the point of contact for all Federal and State financial audits. Conduct regular audits and assessments to improve financial aid processes and maintain compliance.
- Responsible for systems upgrades and enhancements with assistance from IT.
- Interprets and applies federal laws and regulations; college policies and regulations; and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance.
- Monitors college work-study expenditures, students’ satisfactory academic progress, federal and state grant expenditures, Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship Program etc.
- Maintains Power-FAIDS, Slate, and Net Partner. Ensures that these systems are used effectively, and that processes and product enhancements are developed which are operationally up to date.
- Reconciles student receivable accounts with the Business Office including disbursement of anticipated and actual financial aid.
- Calculates refunds and repayments for students who withdraw from school.
Stakeholder and Institutional Support:
- Develops student costs of attendance (individual student budgets) including tuition, books, fees, room and board etc.
- Partner with Admissions and other campus partner teams to develop financial aid strategies that support recruitment and retention.
- Ensures that students are informed about their eligibility for financial aid by developing and directing a system for collecting and evaluating applications, and for the timely and effective awarding of all types of financial aid.
Operations and Technical Oversight:
- Oversees all administrative functions of the Financial Aid Office by supervising, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and evaluating all fulltime and part-time employees.
Fiscal Oversight:
- Develops and monitors the Financial Aid Office budget including departmental operating expenses.
Strategic Planning and Sustainability:
- In collaboration with senior leadership, develop and implement a comprehensive financial aid strategy aligned with the college’s mission and enrollment goals.
Other:
NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must work well with others and participate in collaborative processes.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard the confidentiality of records.
- Able to perform basic mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
- Able to work effectively and under pressure.
- Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs.
- Can travel to workshops and conferences on behalf of the college.
- Regular attendance is required.
License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:
None required.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift/move up to 30 pounds.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to travel between campus buildings or off-campus locations as needed.
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
Exceptional computer skills and MS Office Suite programs are required.
The College may, at its discretion, sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (such as H-1B or permanent residency) on behalf of employees when permitted by law and aligned with institutional priorities and budget.
Sponsorship is contingent on satisfactory continued employment, compliance with applicable federal regulations, availability of institutional resources, and the College’s sole determination of fiscal feasibility.
The College cannot guarantee sponsorship in any case, particularly where newly introduced federal filing fees or wage obligations create financial burdens inconsistent with institutional budget stewardship. The College always reserves the right to defer or decline sponsorship.
MARYVILLE COLLEGE STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Director of Financial Aid
Department: Financial Aid
Title of Immediate Supervisor: VP of Admissions & Financial Aid
Funded Term / Work Cycle: 12 months, full-time
Expected Daily Work Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Pay Grade: 11S
Starting Salary Expectations: $69,535.57 - $78,227.515 with starting salary determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.
About Maryville College:
Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America’s oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we’ve educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.
Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live “strong of mind and brave of heart,” carrying forward our Presbyterian founder’s charge to do good on the largest possible scale.
Mission
At Maryville College, we offer more than a mission—we offer support. Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being.
“Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world.”
Values:
- Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.
- Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.
- Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.
SUMMARY
The Director of Financial Aid administers, controls, and coordinates federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds from numerous individual programs. Ensures compliance with all laws and regulations through accurate reporting and auditing and resolves any issues related to auditors' findings. Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Director of Financial Aid serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and has responsibility for the Office of Student Financial Aid and Student Employment and administers the student financial aid program including federal, state, and local funds.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Masters degree preferred.
3-5 years of increased administrative responsibilities for financial aid programs at a college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with Power-FAIDS, J1, and Slate are preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Supervise and mentor financial aid staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and systems to optimize aid distribution and student support.
- Manages and supervises all financial aid processes for awarding student loans, grants, Tennessee lottery and scholarship packages for new and returning students.
- Fosters and maintains excellent communications with other campus offices.
- Develops and directs financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management and budget objectives of the College and by administering financial aid, scholarships and student employment programs that support student recruitment and retention.
- Conducts financial aid presentations at open houses and Admissions events.
- Contributes to student satisfaction through delivery of quality customer services in administration, financial aid, and student employment.
- Administering financial aid, scholarships, and student employment programs that support student retention and recruitment.
Data, Technology, and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all Title IV, state, and institutional regulations.
- Proactively communicate changes with staff and supervisors in federal and state financial aid regulations and provide recommendations for necessary policy, procedural, and operational adjustments.
- Prepare and submit all required federal and state financial aid reports to outside reporting agencies.
- Serve as the point of contact for all Federal and State financial audits. Conduct regular audits and assessments to improve financial aid processes and maintain compliance.
- Responsible for systems upgrades and enhancements with assistance from IT.
- Interprets and applies federal laws and regulations; college policies and regulations; and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance.
- Monitors college work-study expenditures, students’ satisfactory academic progress, federal and state grant expenditures, Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship Program etc.
- Maintains Power-FAIDS, Slate, and Net Partner. Ensures that these systems are used effectively, and that processes and product enhancements are developed which are operationally up to date.
- Reconciles student receivable accounts with the Business Office including disbursement of anticipated and actual financial aid.
- Calculates refunds and repayments for students who withdraw from school.
Stakeholder and Institutional Support:
- Develops student costs of attendance (individual student budgets) including tuition, books, fees, room and board etc.
- Partner with Admissions and other campus partner teams to develop financial aid strategies that support recruitment and retention.
- Ensures that students are informed about their eligibility for financial aid by developing and directing a system for collecting and evaluating applications, and for the timely and effective awarding of all types of financial aid.
Operations and Technical Oversight:
- Oversees all administrative functions of the Financial Aid Office by supervising, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and evaluating all fulltime and part-time employees.
Fiscal Oversight:
- Develops and monitors the Financial Aid Office budget including departmental operating expenses.
Strategic Planning and Sustainability:
- In collaboration with senior leadership, develop and implement a comprehensive financial aid strategy aligned with the college’s mission and enrollment goals.
Other:
NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must work well with others and participate in collaborative processes.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard the confidentiality of records.
- Able to perform basic mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
- Able to work effectively and under pressure.
- Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs.
- Can travel to workshops and conferences on behalf of the college.
- Regular attendance is required.
License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:
None required.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift/move up to 30 pounds.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to travel between campus buildings or off-campus locations as needed.
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
Exceptional computer skills and MS Office Suite programs are required.
The College may, at its discretion, sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (such as H-1B or permanent residency) on behalf of employees when permitted by law and aligned with institutional priorities and budget.
Sponsorship is contingent on satisfactory continued employment, compliance with applicable federal regulations, availability of institutional resources, and the College’s sole determination of fiscal feasibility.
The College cannot guarantee sponsorship in any case, particularly where newly introduced federal filing fees or wage obligations create financial burdens inconsistent with institutional budget stewardship. The College always reserves the right to defer or decline sponsorship.
See all 30+ Director of Financial Aid Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Director of Financial Aid roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Director of Financial Aid Jobs
Frame your credential as a specialty occupation
Financial aid administration requires a directly related bachelor's or master's degree, not just management experience. Document how your degree field maps to federal aid compliance, Title IV regulations, and institutional policy work when preparing your petition materials.
Target institutions with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to find universities and colleges that have already filed Labor Condition Applications for Director of Financial Aid or related higher education administrator titles, so you're approaching proven sponsors from the start.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Run the Director of Financial Aid job title through the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions. The LCA must certify your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage level for your metro area, and underpaying here is a common filing error.
Anticipate the PERM labor certification timeline for EB-2
If your employer supports a green card path, PERM requires advertising the role and demonstrating no qualified U.S. workers applied. For a Director-level role, that recruitment window typically adds six to twelve months before the I-140 petition can be filed.
Distinguish your administrative role from a teaching position
Some universities misclassify financial aid directors under blanket academic exemptions. Your role is administrative, not instructional, so cap-exempt H-1B status at a nonprofit institution requires the employer to confirm the position is directly tied to the school's educational mission.
Address the credential equivalency gap in your documentation
If your highest degree is a three-year international bachelor's, obtain a foreign credential evaluation before the employer files the LCA. USCIS scrutinizes degree equivalency for Director-level petitions, and a detailed evaluation report reduces the risk of a Request for Evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Director of Financial Aid role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. The position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as higher education administration, finance, business, or accounting. USCIS evaluates whether the specific duties, like overseeing Title IV federal aid programs and regulatory compliance, require that specialized academic background, which Director-level financial aid roles consistently satisfy.
Which visa types can sponsor a Director of Financial Aid working at a university?
H-1B is the most common path, and universities that qualify as nonprofit educational institutions can file cap-exempt H-1B petitions, bypassing the annual lottery entirely. Australian citizens can apply for the E-3 visa, which also requires a specialty occupation and an employer-filed LCA. TN visa is not available for this role because financial aid director is not on the USMCA profession list.
How do I find universities actively sponsoring Director of Financial Aid positions?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for higher education administrator roles, so you can focus your applications on institutions that have already committed to sponsoring this title rather than guessing based on institutional size or reputation.
Does the cap-exempt H-1B status apply to all university employers hiring for this role?
Only if the employer qualifies as a nonprofit institution of higher education or a nonprofit entity affiliated with one. For-profit college systems and ed-tech companies that administer financial aid functions do not qualify for cap exemption, meaning their petitions enter the annual H-1B lottery with the 65,000 regular and 20,000 advanced-degree cap slots.
What degree background does USCIS expect for a Director of Financial Aid H-1B petition?
USCIS looks for a degree in a field with a direct relationship to the job duties, typically higher education administration, business administration, finance, accounting, or public administration. A general liberal arts degree with no financial or administrative specialization is harder to defend at the Director level, particularly if the role oversees federal aid compliance under Title IV. A master's degree significantly strengthens the petition.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Director of Financial Aid jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.