Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid

Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid

Lafayette College

Easton, Pennsylvania

Lafayette College seeks a highly motivated, energetic, passionate, and strategic leader to serve as its Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid (“AVP”). Reporting directly to Greg MacDonald, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the AVP will lead a team of 6-7 financial aid professionals, staff, and work-study employees. Under the AVP’s leadership, the team will work closely with Lafayette College students and their families who receive need-based and merit aid, along with other forms of assistance. The AVP will be responsible for developing and managing the Lafayette College funded financial aid budget of approximately $51.2 million in support of the College’s confirmed commitment to meeting full demonstrated need for all accepted and enrolled students, both domestic and international. In fiscal year ’17, actual total awards to all students topped $64.5 million. The AVP will also play a crucial role in selecting Lafayette’s two annual Posse cohorts and work closely with Athletics and Admissions in supporting the College’s twenty-three NCAA Division I athletic teams.

Approved by the Faculty and adopted by the Board of Trustees in February 2016, President Alison Byerly’s “Strategic Direction for Lafayette College” is built on the idea that financial aid is the linchpin of Lafayette’s long term success. Lafayette’s commitment to continuing to meet full need of admitted students while seeking to admit students without regard to their family’s ability to pay will enable the College to continue to attract the most talented students from around the world. Under President Byerly’s leadership and guidance, Lafayette strives to create a learning environment that incorporates the widest possible range of student backgrounds. With the school in the first phase of a strategic enrollment growth plan, financial aid and its ethical, strategic, and creative stewardship is more critical than ever before at Lafayette College.

The incoming AVP will work closely with the President, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Dean of Admissions, Vice President for Finance and Administration, other college leaders, faculty, and committees to establish effective financial aid policies and provide leadership in the national conversation on access and affordability in higher education. The AVP will work with the Office of Admissions on messaging and recruitment strategies to clearly and consistently communicate Lafayette’s affordability and substantial financial aid for students. The AVP will also work collaboratively with many key partners, building strong, transparent relationships, providing stellar service to students and families, and representing the Financial Aid Office both on campus and externally.

The ideal candidate will bring a track record of demonstrated success in financial aid management, preferably at a college or university with a substantial need-based financial aid program. Additionally, candidates must have strong team-building skills and a compelling track record in successfully managing and supervising staff. The AVP must have a hands-on approach to the work and the ability to act as spokesperson for Lafayette while interacting and collaborating with a variety of individuals inside and outside the College. The AVP will be facile in using data to develop and assess aid policies consistent with Lafayette’s strategic goals and direction. The ideal candidate will have an appreciation of the liberal arts; deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the desire to make a world-class education affordable to students, regardless of background or income.

TO APPLY

All inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters will be held in strict confidence and should be directed to:

Daniel Rodas, Vice President

Carrie Alexander, Senior Associate

Isaacson, Miller

www.imsearch.com/6648

Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive, and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. Lafayette College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.