Associate Director, Financial Aid Quality Assurance

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: $71,360.00 - $96,340.00

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.

​Location: Remote, USA

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

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.

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