[Hiring] Associate Director, Financial Aid Compliance @Pace University

Role Description

Under the guidance and leadership of the University Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director, Financial Aid Compliance, is responsible for implementing and maintaining quality assurance standards to ensure timely and accurate processing of financial aid awards.

• Read, interpret, and implement various regulatory requirements for participating in the Title IV student aid program; coordinate related functions pertaining to annual audits and program reviews; assist with developing and implementing departmental procedures.
• Perform quality assurance testing on processed financial aid files and report findings to Financial Aid Directors, including the University Director of Financial Aid.
• Audit financial aid and registration records on students who have officially or unofficially withdrawn from the University to determine the need for Return-to-Title IV (R2T4), as well as process and complete R2T4 calculations.
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid Systems with monitoring and resolving financial aid overawards, managing C-Flags, and Verification Banner set-up.
• Responsible for FVT-GE/STATS reporting, with support and assistance from the Director of Financial Aid Systems.
• Assist Director of Systems with the annual FISAP, ensuring accurate and timely submission.
• Participate in the annual audit process by working with auditors in the review of student files and assist in resolving potential findings.
• Analyze workflow and processes relating to financial aid packaging and awarding and recommend improvements to improve aid delivery and student service.
• Act as a resource to other University departments to research and successfully resolve complex student issues, while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Lead the development, review, and ongoing maintenance of the Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Facilitate and ensure financial aid staff is documenting their processes for training purposes.
• Oversee federal verification process by staying current on annual regulatory changes, drafting procedures and workflow. Oversee processing, updating the training manual, and providing staff training and support.
• Responsible for reviewing and creating all annual verification forms, documents, communications to students, including maintaining accurate and updated financial aid information on the department's website.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations and analyze their impact on the University and financial aid operations.
• Update Eligibility Application (E-APP) as needed and ensure all signatures are submitted with changes.
• Responsible for updating the financial aid sections of the university’s annual catalog.
• Manage, collect evidence and respond to any Borrower Defense to Repayment claims, NelNet loan inquiries, OIG or Fraud claims.
• Develop and document the University annual Cost of Attendance.
• Manage and inform other departments regarding the Data Sharing policy and procedures.
• Performs other such duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, or other related field; graduate degree preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Title IV programs, rules and regulations.
• At least three years of significant experience in an accredited college/university financial aid office.
• Demonstrated proficiency with financial aid processing software; experience with Ellucian Banner ERP strongly preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills, particularly as it relates to student records, process documentation, and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills, as well as managing data are required.
• Knowledge of auditing principles and concepts is preferred.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify and address audit and compliance issues, communicate risks and recommendations to University administration.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and act with initiative.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity, across all media (telephone, in person, and email) when communicating with staff, students, University administration, faculty, and external constituents.

Requirements

• Supervises dedicated Financial Aid Verification Counselors in collaboration with their functional/direct supervisor.
• Ability to provide oversight of Financial Aid staff in the University Director’s absence and shares oversight of projects when the Director is present.
• Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with additional hours as necessary; some weekends.
• This is a remote position, with an expectation of occasional on-campus attendance for meetings, training, and operational needs. Therefore, the applicant must be able to commute to all three campuses – White Plains, Pleasantville and New York City.

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental insurance for preventive care or diagnostic and surgical procedures as well as an incentivized medical plan waiver option for those who choose not to participate (FT Employees).
• Income protection in the event an employee is not actively at work, due to illness (FT Employees).
• 403B investment opportunity to save toward financial security in retirement (PT and FT Employees).
• Programs and services that assist in balancing work and personal life (PT and FT Employees).
• Educational opportunities for the employee and eligible members of their family to pursue a degree at Pace or another higher education institution (PT and FT Employees).
• Opportunity for faculty and staff to participate in Pace’s award-winning health and wellness program, Pace Yourself to Wellness, which is designed to inspire employees to engage in healthy habits while optimizing health care resources (PT and FT Employees).
• Discount purchase plans for everything from entertainment, shopping and travel (PT and FT Employees).