Assistant Director of Financial Aid Compliance
Job Summary
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as the Assistant Director for Financial Aid Compliance. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring the office and the university's federal Title IV and state student aid compliance requirements are being met. As a member of the office's leadership team, they will contribute to developing and implementing operational strategies that align with institutional compliance expectations. The role involves updating the office's policy and procedures manual to reflect changes in federal, state, and institutional student aid regulations. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to collaborate effectively and conduct independent research on complex compliance issues. In addition to working closely with the university's Enrollment Management (EM) unit, the Assistant Director will serve as the financial aid compliance and policy liaison for various internal and external constituents, including athletics, cash management, institutional research, federal and state reporting, and auditors. They will conduct regular compliance training for OSFA and will complete routine assessments of financial aid compliance controls, including system setup, cost of attendance, R2T4, Verification, and reconciliation.
Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to:
COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT: Conduct thorough regulatory assessments to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. Perform quality assurance reviews to ensure that all compliance activities meet institutional standards. Research complex compliance issues and apply the findings to office practices and policies.
POLICY DOCUMENTATION: Review and update all policy and procedure documentation for the Office of Student Financial Aid annually and when new policy changes are enacted. Actively monitor policy releases and make sure that updates are well documented for the Office of Student Financial Aid and that policies and procedures reflect current guidance.
TRAINING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT: Develop and manage an office-wide training program to ensure staff stay current with compliance knowledge. Assess staff understanding of compliance requirements and provide guidance to improve compliance competencies. Develop and implement training materials and resources to address new or changing regulations.
STRATEGIC PLANNING: Support and guide the team in achieving compliance objectives and operational effectiveness. Provide innovative solutions and proactive planning to address challenges within financial aid and compliance. Contribute to the long-term success and operational efficiency of the Office of Student Financial Aid. Collaborate with the office leadership team to direct and support office initiatives. Liaise with auditors and other related entities to facilitate audits and reviews. Collaborate with the team to address identified compliance gaps or deficiencies.
TECHNOLOGY AND PROJECTS: Assist with various financial aid projects and functions that align with the university and department's mission. Responsible for performing various technical and system functions for compliance management using institutional and federal systems for reporting and assessments.
OTHER DUTIES: Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of financial aid or relevant work experience required
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience interpreting complex regulatory language and/or authoring/maintaining administrative policy/procedures manuals. Working experience with a student information systems such as Banner and Department of Education software, NSLDS, COD, Ed Connect.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
KNOWLEDGE
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases
In-depth knowledge of computer hardware, software, operating systems, and internet/network connectivity
Willingness to learn Ellucian Banner SIS, Campuslogic, Technolutions Slate CRM, and other databases/interfaces
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, prioritization, and customer service skills
Public speaking and presentation skills
Professional judgment and critical thinking skills for interpreting and applying federal and/or state regulations and guidelines governing the awarding of financial aid to students
ABILITIES
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people
Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to uphold all federal and state statutes and regulations regarding eligibility and distribution of student financial aid
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to uphold all federal and state statutes and regulations regarding eligibility and distribution of student financial aid
Knowledge of and ability to comply with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws
Ability to prioritize tasks, detail oriented, and possess a teamwork spirit
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, and other constituents
Willingness to travel to provide training and education.
