Director Operations, Financial Aid Processing

Position Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing the leadership culture, outcomes of the team, growth of the 

team, integration of new support structures as appropriate, and setting the strategic initiatives of the Processing Team to align with NEP's strategic initiatives. This position is responsible for ensuring that the processing outcomes are achieved in full compliance with regulatory expectations while continuing to evaluate processes and policies for improved execution within the team. This position is responsible for collaborating interdepartmentally to ensure that processes are executed to the fullest efficiencies possible. This position will be responsible for providing guidance and support for new initiatives and growth opportunities within NEP and affiliates. This position is also responsible for assisting with ensuring NEP and affiliates follow all applicable federal/state statutes and regulations. This position provides leadership to the Associate Director(s) of Processing. 

Desired competencies include Process Management, Developing Direct Reports, Interpersonal Savvy, Organizational Agility, Political Savvy, and Managing Vision and Purpose. 

 
Essential Functions:  

Leadership Functions: 

• Develops and implements effective and innovative plans to achieve strategic vision 
• Maintains compliance with external regulations and internal policies 
• Assesses and reports progress as it relates to departmental objectives 
• Conducts performance reviews, individualized development plans, and performance management improvement plans 
• Provides coaching and oversees the professional development of Associate Directors 
• Ensures Associate Directors are effectively leading day to day operational outcomes 
• Serves as a mentor and guide to each of their team members 
• Develops and implements short and long-term strategies to retain students 
• Ensures that team retention targets are achieved, relating to the University’s strategic goals and metrics 
• Provides leadership to the process of effectively operationalizing departmental processes Prepares and maintains departmental metrics and related reports 
• Analyzes and implements strategic initiatives to address areas of concern within the department 
• Implements and monitors changes in policy and procedure to ensure compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements and changes 
• Collaborates with QA team and other interdepartmental leaders to ensure institutional compliance 
• Participates in committees and task forces designed to improve policies, procedures, and business practices 
• Ensures Associate Directors are effectively managing day to day operations including but not limited to team member oversight (role/responsibility completion, documentation, performance management, and attendance) 
• Oversees the entire business unit in the absence of the Associate Vice President 
• Attends Business Unit Leadership team meetings 
• Upholds the standard of conduct and all other policies and procedures 
• Identifies opportunities and recommends changes to improve the University 
• Participates in training and continuous education to improve skill set 
• Responsible for team member retention analysis and strategic planning to increase retention (turnover statistics, retention strategies, training, etc) 
• Headcount oversight and responsibility for ratio alignment and adjustments in overall budget headcount to align with ratio need and departmental strategies 
• Oversight on talent acquisition, head count analysis, and team structure 
• Reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirement of the position 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Tactical Functions: 

• Oversees all processes, outcomes, timely completion, and deliverables from the Processing team including, but not limited to: 
• Packaging 
• Disbursing 
• R2T4 
• Verification 
• c-code reviews 
• professional judgments 
• credit balance 
• Oversees daily communication with the Department of Education systems, including importing and exporting Title IV aid data. 
• Recommends, implements, and documents policy and procedural changes and collaborates with other affiliate staff to ensure institutional compliance. 
• Participates in committees and task forces designed to improve the policies, procedures, and business practices of NEP and affiliates. 
• Provides oversight and leadership to multiple teams. 
• Provides leadership to Associate Directors supporting Processing. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:   

• Direct leadership and oversight of up to five (5) Associate Directors wit