Associate Director, Financial Aid Quality Assurance

Compensation Range:

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Quality Assurance supports the AVP of Financial Aid Compliance by overseeing the daily operations of the Quality Assurance (QA) team. This individual directly leads a dynamic team of Quality Assurance Managers and Quality Assurance Specialists who monitor the work of other University offices and assess the University's compliance with federal, state, VA, and external agency regulations via internal audits, suggesting and implementing remedies for training, policies and procedures to mitigate University risk. The role involves managing the workflow and supporting documentation of internal operations for external constituents including but not limited to Financial Aid auditors, federal program reviews, and reaccreditation. The Associate Director collaborates with Operations to develop and implement remediation efforts, focusing on R2T4, Reconciliation, Student Eligibility, Communications and Institutional, State and Veteran’s Aid. Additionally, the role provides leadership, coaching, and professional development to team managers and members, ensuring outcomes align with key metrics and service level expectations.

Essential Functions:

Leadership Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Develops and implements innovative plans to achieve strategic vision.
• Analyzes and implements strategic initiatives to address areas of risk within the University.
• Participate in Team Leadership meetings.
• Acts as a leader in the absence of the Associate Vice President of Financial Aid Compliance.
• Identifies improvement opportunities and recommends changes.
• The ability to collaborate and make decisions with individuals in senior leaderships positions.
• Compliance and Policy Management
• Maintains compliance with external regulations and internal policies.
• Monitors changes in policy and ensure federal regulatory and state compliance.
• Collaborate with interdepartmental leaders to ensure institutional compliance.
• Participates in committees to improve policies, procedures, and business practices.
• Upholds the University’s policies and standards of conduct.

Team Management and Development

• Conducts performance reviews, development plans, and performance management.
• Provides coaching and professional development to Quality Assurance Managers and Specialists.
• Ensure Quality Assurance Managers are effectively leading operational outcomes.
• Mentors and guides team members.
• Manages team member oversight, including performance management and attendance.
• Manages team member retention analysis and strategic planning.
• Oversees talent acquisition, headcount analysis, and team structure.
• Operational Leadership
• Provides leadership in operationalizing departmental processes and maintaining metrics.
• Assesses and reports progress related to departmental objectives.
• Professional Development
• Engages in training and continuous education.

Tactical Functions

Operational Management

• Creates, develops, and oversees all processes, outcomes, timely completion, and deliverables from the Quality Assurance team’s reviews of partner organizations, including:
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Financial Aid Packaging and Processing
  • Leave of Absence and Intent to Return
  • Communications and Veteran’s Benefits
  • Reconciliation and Return to Title IV Calculations

• Oversees and manages all processes, relationships, outcomes, timely completion, and deliverables requested from external Financial Aid auditors.
• Oversees and manages relationships with third-party servicers.
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Responsible for successful achievement of all metrics, KPIs, and outcomes associated with Title IV compliance.
• Identifies areas of Title IV risk, developing and implementing strategies to mitigate identified risks across the University.

Reporting and Communication

• Provides monthly summary reporting and communication to executive leadership for interdepartmental partners.

Leadership and Representation

• Active representation on financial aid-related projects and committees, including:
  • Policy Writing
  • Governance
  • New aid year set-up
  • New system set-up
  • Report Testing
  • Others as tasked

• Represents the Quality Assurance team as knowledgeable leaders in all meetings and projects.
• Participates in committees and task forces to improve policies, procedures, and business practices of NU and affiliates.
• Provides leadership to Quality Assurance Managers supporting Quality Assurance Specialists who monitor output from all other Financial Aid teams.

Supervisory Responsibilities:   

Supervisor duties to include:

• Direct oversight of at least ten (10) team members.
• Hire, train, and develop Quality Assurance Managers and Quality Assurance Specialists.
• Lead team meetings to ensure alignment with institutional and organizational strategic initiatives and proper dissemination of information.
• Support leaders in managing team performance and development.
• Performance Management
• Implement, oversee, and monitor individualized professional development plans for all direct reports.
• Direct oversight for all performance management actions, including coaching, HR performance actions, and termination of team members.
• Resource and Workload Management
• Responsible for work allocation and management of overtime.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in FSA administration and compliance.
• 3-5 years of demonstrated experience developing and leading a team.
• Experience in non-term, term, and subscription financial aid management required.
• Experience in higher education required.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.
• Experience with data processing and automated records maintenance systems preferred.
• Current knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations required.
• Knowledge of internal policies and procedures required.
• Regulatory analysis and interpretation experience preferred.
• Preferred FAAC certified (Certified Financial Aid Administrator) professional.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Financial Aid and Regulatory Expertise
• Knowledge of private, state, and federal financial aid programs and regulations, including R2T4/Reconciliation, Student Eligibility, and Institutional/State Aid.
• Experience in non-term financial aid management preferred.
• Experience as a VA certifying official.
• Strong understanding of University policies and higher education operations, including policy updates.
• Higher Education and Institutional Knowledge
• Knowledge of academic and business workings of a higher education institution in an online environment.
• Strong understanding of the University mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies.
• Technical and Software Proficiency
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and other applications in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of EDExpress and PeopleSoft software.
• Experience with Anthology and demonstrated agility across various financial aid technical systems.
• Skill in utilizing technology, including navigating websites, word processing, creating spreadsheets, and using email and electronic messaging systems.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Skill in oral and written communication with the ability to prepare letters, reports, and business correspondence.
• Ability to use and facilitate online communications through email and other technology-based media.
• Leadership and Strategic Management
• Skill in change management, strategic planning, and strong business acumen.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a technology-driven environment.
• Personal and Professional Attributes
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Consistently displays the highest level of integrity.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and possess strong time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and problem solve.
• Operational and Technical Skills
• Skill in operating equipment, such as personal computers and phone systems.
• Reasonable and consistent attendance to meet job requirements.
• Additional duties as assigned.
• Sedentary work.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal.
• The work is performed in an office environment.

Desired Competencies

• Process Management: Proficient in designing, executing, and optimizing workflows to ensure operational efficiency.
• Developing Direct Reports: Skilled in nurturing talent through targeted coaching, mentorship, and development programs.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Adept at building and maintaining effective relationships across all organizational levels.
• Organizational Agility: Demonstrates the ability to navigate complex structures and align initiatives with broader institutional objectives.
• Political Savvy: Capable of managing stakeholder expectations and influencing decisions within a multifaceted environment.
• Managing Vision and Purpose: Provides clear strategic direction, aligning team efforts with organizational goals

Location: Remote

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

#LI-JD1

#LI-Remote

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.

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.