Ball State University seeks a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as its next Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management, Paula Luff, the AVP/Executive Director will provide leadership for a comprehensive financial aid enterprise, aligning strategy, policy, and resources to advance institutional goals for enrollment, retention, affordability, and student success.
This search follows the retirement of a long-tenured leader and presents an opportunity to build on a strong, student-focused culture defined by dedicated staff, long tenure, and a deep commitment to supporting students. The next leader will be expected to build strong relationships across campus, sustain this culture, and guide the team through a thoughtful period of transition and evolution.
Serving a high-need student population, Ball State relies on financial aid as a central driver of student success. The AVP/Executive Director will play a critical role in strengthening the alignment between financial aid strategy and institutional priorities, including improving retention and graduation rates, and leveraging aid in creative, data-informed ways to support student persistence.
A key member of the Enrollment Planning and Management leadership team, this individual will partner closely with colleagues across campus to advance recruitment and student success goals. The role requires a visible and relationship-oriented leader who can communicate effectively, foster collaboration, and position financial aid as a strategic asset. The AVP will also work closely with the Ball State University Foundation to enhance donor-funded scholarship processes and expand support for student emergency funding needs.
The AVP/Executive Director will lead a team of approximately 20 staff with varied levels of experience and will be expected to prioritize mentorship, professional development, and accountability. The ideal candidate will bring progressively responsible financial aid experience, including expertise in leveraging, compliance, and budget management, along with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. Engagement in professional associations such as NASFAA and a demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement are also valued.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. WittKieffer is assisting Ball State University in this search. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a cover letter of interest. For fullest consideration, all materials should be received by July 10, 2026.
Applicants should submit materials through WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Candidates also may access the portal through the WittKieffer website by selecting the “Become a Candidate” button.
Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Christy Pratt and Natalie Song at [email protected]