Assistant Director of Financial Aid Compliance

College/Department Information

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at Augusta University is part of Enrollment and Student Affairs. We are dedicated to providing guidance and assistance for students to help ease the financial burdens associated with their education.  We inform prospective and current students of the resources and services available to them to secure funds for financing their education. We advise students of their eligibility for financial assistance, assist with completing documents, and counsel students regarding their rights and responsibilities of receiving aid. Our goal is to help students and their families make the best use of financial aid resources so they may achieve their educational accomplishments. 

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. 

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (Work outside of regular business hours may be required)

Pay Grade: B10

Salary: $52,500/annually

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: Until filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

How To Apply

Consider applying with us today!

https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/    Search 282315

Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university

Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee

If you need further assistance, please contact us at 706-721-9365