Assistant Director of Financial Aid Compliance

Job Description SummaryOrganization's Summary Statement:
Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Financial Aid, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Compliance will have primary responsibility for evaluating, developing, and maintaining office policies and procedures to ensure they align with federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations, as well as industry best practices. The Assistant Director will maintain current and thorough knowledge of all Federal Title IV, Maryland Higher Education Commission, and institutional policies and procedures, and will be responsible for providing training to the Office of Student Financial Aid staff to ensure consistent and wide-ranging knowledge across the OSFA team. The Assistant Director will manage student withdrawals and the R2T4 process. With the oversight of the Associate Director of Student Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will develop internal quality control processes to evaluate and monitor the accuracy and timeliness of processing completed by the OSFA team. The Assistant Director will assist with mandatory federal, state, and institutional reporting including, but not limited to, IPEDS, FISAP, and GE/FVT reporting. The Assistant Director will have primary responsibility for coordinating data requests from auditors and will assist the Director with responding to any auditor questions or requests. The Assistant Director will be an active member of professional associations, FSA, and other affinity groups, and will regularly participate in forums, listservs, webinars, and training opportunities provided by these groups.
Responsibilities
•Coordinate and conduct staff training on continued end changing federal slate, and Institutional regulations:
•Review institutional policies and procedures to ensure the University is in compliance with Federal Title IV, state and institutional rules and regulations.
•Make policy and procedure recommendations to the Director and update the Policy and Procedure manual as needed.
•Provide guidance and oversight of the development and implementation of federally compliant consumer information and ensure all published information meets mandated federal guidelines.
•Coordinate the collection of data requests from auditors and assist the Director with responding to auditor questions or requests with the oversight of the Associate Director. Develop and evaluate internal quality control processes to monitor OSFA work for accuracy and timeliness
•Process R2T4 for all officially and unofficially withdrawn students.
•Develop and maintain an expert-level knowledge of Federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid rules and regulations.
•Develop and maintain knowledge of UMES financial aid processes and the PeopleSoft student information system.
•Assist the Director with mandatory federal, state, and institutional l reporting including but not limited to IPEDS, FISAP, and GE/FVT reporting.
•Represent the OSFA in meetings, and committees as assigned by the Director.
•Regularly participate in forums, listservs, webinars, and raining opportunities provided by FSA, professional associations, and other affinity groups.
•Performs other tasks as requested by the Director or Associate Director.
Physical Demands:
May require extended periods of sitting at desk. May require lifting up to 25 lbs. Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally. Requires operation of a variety of office
Preferences:
•Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
•Five years of experience working in a financial aid office.
•Extensive knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures governing Federal Title IV financial aid programs
•Ability to interpret complex financial aid regulations.
•Must have the ability to work independently and as a member of a team to accomplish set goals and objectives by established timelines;
•Excellent oral and written communication skills
•Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
•Ability to utilize Federal and state electronic data interfaces and web-based services: FPP, COD, SAIG, ED Connect, NSLDS.
•Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks/projects concurrently and respond to emergency situations effectively.
•Expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
•Ability to develop documentation and conduct training for OSFA team members.
•Possess proven critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
•Be a strong team player who fosters a positive, supportive, and collegial office atmosphere.
•Must have a student-centered approach to financial aid that aligns regulatory and compliance obligations with the vision, mission, and values of UMES.
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
Previous experience working in financial aid compliance including Federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid preferred.
Experience developing and conducting training sessions and materials. preferred.
Previous experience calculating R2T4 refunds preferred.
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Seven (7) years of financial aid administration experience. Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff. Knowledge of accounting systems, financial reporting, and financial aid administration. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments. Ability to acquire, apply and expand knowledge of the University’s policies and operating details for sponsored programs.

Additional Job Details

DepartmentUMES-VPSA-Financial Aid Operation)

Worker Sub-Type Staff Regular

Salary Range$53,940 - $80,000

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.