AboutDurham College: Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution thatsupports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing jobmarket. A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers awide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, includingculinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction andtrades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and communityservices, media, art and design. Our contemporary campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer145 programs – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11apprenticeship programs – tomore than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly3,000 apprenticeship students.
In addition, we have more than 16,000 studentregistrations in professional and part-time learning. DC hasan estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Regionand is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve bycontributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-beingthrough partnerships, investments and collaboration. Reporting to theDean, Students, the Director, Financial Aid and Awards provides strategic andoperational leadership for the planning, delivery, administration, andcontinuous improvement of institutional and government-funded financialassistance programs that support student access, affordability, retention,persistence, and success.
The Director isresponsible for the effective administration of a comprehensive portfolio offinancial aid and student funding programs, including the Ontario StudentAssistance Program (OSAP), federal and provincial financial assistanceprograms, scholarships, bursaries, awards, work-study opportunities, emergencyfinancial supports, and other targeted funding initiatives. The role ensuresthe responsible stewardship of public and institutional funds, compliance withgovernment legislation, Ministry directives, audit requirements, andinstitutional policies and procedures. The Director supports institutional priorities related toenrolment management, student recruitment and retention, equity, inclusion, andstudent experience by identifying emerging student financial needs, assessingprogram effectiveness, and developing responsive services that support diverselearners and students experiencing financial barriers.
The Director leadsa team of financial aid professionals and provides strategic direction,coaching, and mentorship to foster a culture of service excellence,accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Provides strategic direction and operational oversight for the Financial Aid and Awards (FAA) Office, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, Student Affairs goals, enrolment strategies, and student success initiatives. Develops, implements, evaluates, and continuously improves operational plans, policies, procedures, and service delivery models to enhance student experience, accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Leads the assessment and redesign of processes to improve responsiveness, reduce administrative barriers, and support timely access to financial resources. Represents FAA on institutional committees and working groups related to student access, enrolment management,
policy development, technology improvements, and student success. Maintains internal controls to ensure accurate administration of student financial assistance, safeguard the integrity of public funds, and support the College’s continued eligibility to participate in provincial and federal student financial aid programs.
Oversees the administration of the College's scholarships, bursaries, awards, and donor-funded financial assistance programs, liaising with the Advancement Office and other institutional partners to ensure the effective delivery of donor-funded awards. Provides direction to the Manager and establishes performance expectations for staff, service standards and performance outcomes Supports ongoing professional growth through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning. Leads organizational and operational change initiatives, communicating priorities effectively and engaging staff in continuous improvement and service innovation.
Creates an inclusive, respectful, and psychologically safe work environment that promotes employee engagement, well-being, equity, and excellence in student service. Provides leadership and expert guidance to staff in the interpretation and application of complex federal and provincial financial aid legislation, Ministry directives, institutional policies, and awards administration practices. Monitors departmental performance using service metrics and keyperformance indicators, identifying opportunities to enhance service quality,operational efficiency, compliance, and the student experience.
Provides oversight for the administration of federal and provincial financial assistance programs, including OSAP and related Ministry-funded initiatives, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, Ministry guidelines, policies, and audit requirements. Ensures accurate interpretation and implementation of complex government regulations, directives, and policy changes affecting student financial assistance. Establishes effective internal controls, quality assurance practices, and operational processes to maintain accuracy, integrity, and accountability in the administration of student financial aid.
Oversees institutional reporting requirements, including Ministry accountability reports, funding reconciliations, audits, and compliance documentation. Monitors, evaluates and enhances financial aid programs and practices, providing informed feedback to government and sector partners to support continuous improvement to Provincial and Federal Financial Aid programs. Serves as the senior escalation point for complex student financial aid matters requiring interpretation of federal, provincial, and institutional policies or the exercise of discretion.
Provides guidance and direction on complex cases and liaises with financial institutions, government ministries and agencies,
and community or social service organizations, as appropriate, to support the resolution of individual student financial aid matters while ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and institutional requirements. Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of institutional student loan default prevention and repayment awareness strategies to support student success and maintain compliance with provincial and federal performance expectations. Maintains collaborative relationships with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) and financial institutions to resolve complex student loan eligibility, funding, and loan processing issues, including the escalation of cases requiring specialized review.
Student
Access, Equity and Success Collaborates with Student Affairs, Enrolment Services, Advancement, Accounts Receivable, Information Technology, academic areas, recruitment teams, and external partners to strengthen pathways, supports, and resources for students experiencing financial challenges. Supports institutional priorities related to access, retention, persistence, and completion through responsive financial aid programming. Data, Technology and Financial Management Uses data analysis and reporting to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, inform decision-making, and support institutional planning.
Ensures effective financial controls, budget reconciliation, and compliance with institutional, Ministry, audit, and inspection requirements through collaboration with Finance and related departments. A minimum of a 4-year undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Accounting, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is an asset.
A minimum of seven (7) years delivering Financial Aid and Awards services in a post-secondary environment. Significant experience managing complex financial resources, including departmental operational budgets, Tuition Set Aside funding, government grants, donor-restricted funds, and financial forecasting to ensure effective stewardship and regulatory compliance. Specialized training in Ontario student financial assistance programs, financial management, regulatory compliance, and leadership.
Thorough understanding of federal and provincial student financial assistance programs, institutional bursaries, and scholarships, awards, emergency funding and donor-related awards. Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation, policies, collective agreements, and institutional procedures while exercising sound judgment in complex situations. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in student services, staffing practices, program development, or organizational decision-making.
Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg.
We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today. #
📌 Director of Finance (Part-Time) (Oshawa)
🏢 Csod
📍 Oshawa