Assistant Director, Compliance

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented financial aid professional to fill the role of Assistant Director, Compliance. 

 

The primary responsibility of this position is to support institutional compliance with Title IV Federal Student Aid programs, state, and institutional financial aid policies. This individual will assist in monitoring regulatory changes, implementing policies and procedures, and providing guidance and training to the financial aid team to ensure compliant processing of aid. As a key member of OSFA’s management team, the Assistant Director, Compliance evaluates risk, prioritizes and drives critical improvements, and collaborates closely with other leaders to evaluate effectiveness and innovate for maximum impact, while enhancing the student experience, staying abreast of best practices, and maximizing workflow and limited resources. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

 

Assist in ensuring compliance with all Title IV Federal Student Aid regulations, including but not limited to: Satisfactory Academic Progress, Return of Title IV Funds, Consumer Information, Verification, Cost of Attendance, Pell Reconciliation, Eligibility and Awarding. 

 

In collaboration with the Senior Director, other OSFA teams, and applicable campus partners, prepare and submit updates to the Program Participation Agreement (PPA), review and submit the annual Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), and support Foreign Gift Reporting. 

 

Under direction from the Senior Director, serve as lead for Audits, Quality Checks, and PeopleSoft System updates. 

 

In collaboration with the Institution’s Data Steward, create and maintain institutional guidelines and policies in accordance with federal requirements regarding data sharing. 

 

Assist with managing the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) mailbox and other federal communications. 

 

Monitor and interpret federal regulations, Dear Colleague Letters, Federal Register notices and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education. 

 

Stay informed with sub-regulatory guidance, updates, and resources provided by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and other relevant sources.  

 

Collaborate with and help inform office/University efforts to prepare for and implement regulatory changes.  

 

Serve as a thought leader to effectively balance compliance with student access and success and offer innovative solutions as a key partner to all OSFA teams. 

 

In partnership with the Senior Director, collaborate with and inform campus partners in areas such as program eligibility, and academic calendars. 

 

In collaboration with the Office of the Registrar, serve as the OSFA lead in responding to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requests. 

 

Serve as a compliance resource to OSFA teams for complex or escalated financial aid cases.  

 

Create and maintain institutional policies and procedures. 

 

Perform additional duties as assigned. 

 

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

 

Extensive knowledge of Title IV federal student aid regulations and policies. 

 

Experience working in U.S. Department of Education systems including Common Origination & Disbursement (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), FAFSA Partner Portal (FPP), and the SAIG mailbox. 

 

Knowledge of FERPA and its implications for handling student records. 

 

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing technical documents and training materials. 

 

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines. 

 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel) and financial aid systems (PeopleSoft/UAccess, OnBase, Microsoft Forms). 

 

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage professionally with colleagues, students and families. 

 

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a commitment to continuous improvement and learning. 

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

 

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of professional work experience directly in Title IV Federal Student Aid, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent education and experience.