Associate Director of Operations Training and Compliance - University of Northern Colorado : Job Details

POSITION TITLE: Associate Director of Operations Training and ComplianceCOMPENSATION RANGE: 78,000.00 - 88,000.00 USD per yearEMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional AdministrativeDEPARTMENT: Office of Financial AidTARGET HIRE DATE: 1/20/2025BENEFITS: UNC's Career HubTo ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/17/2024.Position Summary:Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, this position exists to provide high quality services to students and their families, and to educate them in financial opportunities available so they may achieve their academic goals. The position works with other campus departments to help recruit and retain students. The Office of Financial Aid distributes federal, state, institutional and private funds to all students who meet program eligibility requirements. This position is one of a team of people who work to provide these funds in a timely manner, but is specifically responsible for the day to day processing within the COD, NSLDS, CPS and Banner Aid system in order to help recruit and retain students. This position is also responsible for the monitoring and processing of the Federal Direct Loan Program which is in excess of $49,000,000, the Federal Pell Grant program which is in excess of $9,8000,000, and FAFSA Simplification where the Department of Education still has significant issues that may impact high need students who can have difficulty getting through the process. Job Duties:Operations, Training, and Compliance (50%)

• Works with the Director and Associate Director of Systems and Awarding (ADSA) on the day-to-day processing of aid including but not limited to: Federal and Private Loans, Federal Pell, FSEOG, FWork Study, State of CO Grants and Work Study, Institutional grants, as well as aid processing and verification
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all aid-related systems
• Review subsequent reports and follow-up on errors and/or other processing issues
• Works closely with Director and Associate Director (ADSA) in the effective design and implementation of technical data solutions
• Serve as liaison with US Dept of Ed processing systems
• Responsible for compliance and training issues related to aid awarding and processing
• Work with Accounting in the reconciliation of aid matters
• Diagnose issues within loan, Pell and awarding processes. Review for accuracy and adjust awards based upon changes to student files
• Work with Directors to recommend updates and modifications to existing processes and procedures
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of federal, state and institutional policies and procedures which govern all aid programs by staying current via Dept. of Education and professional organization handbooks, journals, communications, list serves and training sessions
• Formulates, implements, reviews, and evaluates policies, procedures, and standards to ensure departmental compliance with financial aid guidelines and objectives; makes suggestions regarding policy changes as appropriate

Office Leadership and Policy Development (20%)

• Work closely with Directors in managing for continuous improvement in all areas of office operation including processing efficiencies and overall office morale
• An Associate Director will help mentor all staff in foundations of aid eligibility and leadership skills
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures on principle job duties
• Support and engage in promoting diversity and efforts pursued by UNC in continuing to be an HSI-serving institution

Client Services (10%)

• Counsel students and families regarding aid applications issues, awarding and disbursement processes

Processing Staff Supervision (20%)

• Supervise and evaluate staff involved in the daily operations of processing financial aid
• Ensure that staff are receiving the proper training in order to process correctly and in a timely manner

Minimum Qualifications:Education:

• Bachelor's degree required

Experience:

• Five to seven years of financial aid experience
• Must have a proven progression of increased responsibility in a financial aid office
• Experience in multiple areas of the financial aid office as it relates to this position
• Demonstrated knowledge of Direct Lending, Banner and Federal Compliance
• Proven ability to monitor and reconcile multiple fund balances

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred
• Preference given to those with at least three years of permanent staff supervision, and management of Banner and Campus Logic systems

Certification/Registration/Licensing:

• Preferred NASFAA credentials

Abilities:

• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Excellent computer skills are necessary as well as an ability to communicate at a high level for both oral and written interactions for staff training and development
• Ability to explain complex regulatory and compliance issues to wide audience of constituents
• Ability to gather and analyze data, reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate, concise recommendations
• Must also have the ability to address diverse issues within a wide range of circumstances

Special Considerations:

• This position must be able to provide leadership and support to not only those that they supervise, but also internally to all counselors, support staff, and student staff. All employees are cross-trained in all office functions to ensure the continuation of high level quality services at all times. Knowledge of other university departments and their regulations are crucial in arriving at solutions for our students. This position must be knowledgeable in all financial assistance programs and their basic requirements.

Benefits:Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.About UNC The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC's commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC's Career Hub,to learn more about UNC's strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and BelongingThe University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability - to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC's Career Hub to learn more about UNC's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. AAEO EmployerThe University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University's policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University's Equal Opportunity Policy.Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.Background CheckSatisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.Clery ActIn compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.