AVP, Financial Aid Compliance

Position Summary

As the AVP of Financial Aid Compliance, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for ensuring the integrity and compliance of our financial aid programs. This position is responsible for leading the QA team and monitoring controls which impact the administration of Title IV Federal Student Financial Assistance programs to ensure compliance across multiple Federal OPEIDs. You will play a key role ensuring that quality assurance testing, controls, and corrective actions plans are implemented across all areas of financial aid compliance. The AVP of financial aid compliance will need to partner and drive action across multiple university constituencies. In addition to testing and reporting on internal controls, the AVP of financial aid compliance is responsible for overseeing reconciliation aid year closeouts, the university Satisfactory Academic Progress process, and managing the various audits for which the student and financial services team participates.

Essential Functions

Lead and develop the QA team, maintaining a high-performance environment through hiring, supervision, training, and development for multiple entities.Monitors and interprets changes in legislation specific to the administration of Title IV programs and ensures that changes are addressed, and that policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with federal aid programs. Oversee the management, creation, and submission of all reports including but not limited to the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), Cost of Attendance (COA), and the Program Participation Agreement (PPA).Consult with financial aid processing and advising teams recommending policy and procedural changes to insure institutional compliance and develop corrective action plans based on Monthly QA Review outcomes.Oversees risk assessments and internal controls monitoring related to the administration of Title IV Federal Financial Assistance. Oversees the reviews of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational policies and regulations. Supervises and ensures timely completion of the G5 reconciliation process. Provide oversight and management over all audit functions, both internal and external, related to financial aid. Ensure that appropriate action plans are developed and implemented to address any audit findings and recommendations, and ensure compliance with all federal, state and university regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures.Maintains master calendar of all federal, state and agency reporting dates and ensures compliance.Oversees the compliance and completion of the university Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process across multiple entities. Generate regular reports for senior leadership, highlighting compliance status, quality assurance results, and recommendations for improvement.Participate in University committees, in groups, and professional organizations both internally and externally in order to stary ahead of any regulatory or compliance changes affecting the University.Oversee research and response to Department of Education requests including dispute resolution and servicer complaints.Maintains working knowledge of databases to include PeopleSoft, EDExpress, California Student Aid Commission, Central Processing System (CPS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending professional development conferences, educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, researching new or proposed legislation.Ensures departmental staff has clear direction and information needed to perform their duties, tracks project flow and assists with challenges and problems as needed. Maintains advocacy for department needs and resources. All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The AVP of Financial Aid Compliance will directly supervise four direct reports managing a team of 25 or more individuals whose focus is improving organizational quality. Additionally, this position will serve as acting VP of Financial Aid in their absence.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Appropriate combination of education and experience necessary to complete this job may be fulfilled in one of the following ways:Master’s degree from an accredited university with 5 years of relevant experience orBachelor’s degree from an accredited university and 8 years of relevant experience or Associates degree from an accredited university and 10 years of relevant financial aid experienceAt least five (5) years’ experience in a director of quality assurance or director of financial aid position in an accredited college or university. Five (5) years of leadership experience in a complex and matrixed environment is required. Experience with data processing and automated records maintenance systems preferred. Current knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations required.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills

Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Compliance Expertise: In-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations governing Title IV financial aid programs, with the ability to interpret and apply regulations effectively.Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to ensure compliance and drive improvements.Policy Development: Experience in developing, implementing, and documenting policies and procedures to ensure institutional compliance with regulatory requirements.Training and Development: Ability to identify training needs, develop comprehensive training programs, and provide ongoing education to staff to ensure understanding of compliance requirements and best practices.Audit Management: Experience in managing internal and external audits, including developing corrective action plans and ensuring adherence to audit findings.Risk Management: Proficiency in conducting risk assessments, identifying internal control weaknesses, and implementing measures to mitigate risks related to financial aid administration.Data Management: Strong understanding of financial aid data systems and proficiency in managing financial data, including G5 reconciliation and tuition posting to student accounts.Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and ideas to a diverse audience.Professional Development: Commitment to staying abreast of regulatory changes and industry best practices through continuous learning, professional development activities, and participation in relevant workshops and conferences.Team Building: Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with team members, campus departments, outside agencies, and students/families to achieve organizational goals.Problem-Solving: Well-developed problem-solving abilities with the capacity to address challenges and issues related to financial aid compliance in a timely and effective manner.Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in using relevant software and technology tools, including Microsoft Office products, databases such as PeopleSoft, EDExpress, and NSLDS, and other financial aid management systems.Time Management: Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Confidentiality: Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive financial aid information in accordance with institutional policies and regulations.

Travel: Some travel may be required for attendance at conferences or institutional events, as needed.

Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.

Compensation Range

Annual Salary: $100,260.00 - $135,350.00

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 5,000 faculty and staff and serves over 41,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community and a commitment to diversity. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our diverse student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University offers an opportunity to work in an innovative environment that supports diversity.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a diverse mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University. We are focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, color, ancestry, age, family care status, veteran status, marital status, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and other legally protected group status.