Dartmouth College, in partnership with WittKieffer, seeks a collaborative, student-centered experienced professional to serve as the next Director of Financial Aid (https://apptrkr.com/7147828) of the well-established, high-performing financial aid organization, at a moment of significant investment in access and affordability.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Financial Aid (AVP/ED), G. Dino Koff, the Director of Financial Aid role is positioned at the center of a highly complex and mission-critical operation, overseeing an aid portfolio of approximately $170M with significant federal compliance responsibility. While regulatory compliance is foundational to the role, the primary focus is operational leadership, driving effective execution, staff management, and systems oversight across the office. The Director will assume ownership of day-to-day operations, enabling the AVP/ED to concentrate on institutional strategy, fundraising, and external relations. The role is expected to evolve into a strong strategic partnership, particularly in aligning financial aid operations with broader enrollment and institutional priorities.
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth College (https://home.dartmouth.edu/) is a Carnegie-classified R1 research university defined by comprehensive liberal arts education combined with focused graduate programs in medicine, business, the sciences, and engineering. A founding member of the Ivy League, Dartmouth is consistently ranked among the country’s best research institutions. Beginning in July 2025, Dartmouth College launched the new School of Arts and Sciences, the academic home for over 4,500 undergraduate students with over 40 academic departments and programs. In addition to the School of Arts and Sciences, the University educates over 2,300 graduate students in its four pioneering graduate and professional schools. A member of the Association of American Universities, Dartmouth has forged a singular identity, combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts in a residential college setting and graduate education with distinguished research and scholarship.
Dartmouth’s undergraduate admissions and financial aid outcomes remain remarkably strong, with the Class of 2029 attracting 28,230 applicants—marking the fifth consecutive year the College has received more than 28,000 applications. The College is committed to expanding educational opportunity through a significant investment in need-based financial aid and an ambitious set of new aid policies. Students are now eligible for a new middle-income affordability initiative that enabled Dartmouth to nearly double its current annual income threshold for a “zero parent contribution,” from $65,000 to $125,000 for families of AB undergraduates with typical assets. That new threshold is one of the most generous of any college or university in the nation.
Success in this role requires balancing stability with continuous improvement. The organization is staffed by experienced subject matter experts, making credibility, influence, and a measured approach to enhancement essential. Rather than pursuing immediate large-scale change, the Director will introduce thoughtful process improvements that strengthen trust and performance. The ideal candidate is a proven people leader with experience establishing accountability and operating independently in complex environments, serving effectively as a second-in-command. Strong operational judgment, process design expertise, and systems fluency with Banner/Ellucian is strongly desired. Candidates must also demonstrate a deep understanding of federal financial aid regulations and the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world operational and budgetary decisions. A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, with at least 3 years in a leadership role expected, preferably within a complex, multi-layered organization. Ultimately, the successful Director will view financial aid not only as a compliance function, but as a strategic lever in enrollment management and institutional success, and as an important touchpoint for Dartmouth students and families.
Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidates should provide, as two separate documents, a résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile submitted by June 10, 2026. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to WittKieffer consultants Christy Pratt, Robert Springall, and Roxana Woudstra at [email protected].
Dartmouth College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all its students, faculty, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. For that reason, Dartmouth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran in its programs, organizations, and conditions of employment and admission.
Please refer to the College policy on equal opportunity and resolution procedures:
https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/nondiscrimination-and-anti-harassment-policy-and-resolution-procedures
