Associate Director, Financial Aid Quality Assurance

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Quality Assurance supports the Director in overseeing the daily operations of the Quality Assurance team. Directly leads a dynamic team of Quality Assurance Specialists that monitors the University's compliance with federal, state, VA, and external agencys regulations via internal audits. Reviews internal audit outcomes and trends to collaborate with Operations in developing remediation efforts. Provides strong leadership and support of their team members through consistent one on ones, coaching, professional development through individualized plans, and interpretation of policies, procedures, and regulatory guidance. Accountable for outcomes and improvement of key metrics and service level expectations related to team success. This individual will focus efforts and lead a team with subject matter expertease in R2T4, Student Eligiblity, or Institutional/State Aid.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees the Quality Assurance team to ensure Quality Assurance reviews are completed timely and accurately.
• Analyzes team data and KPIs to determine and facilitate change to meet organizational expectations and goals.
• Prepares monthly internal review summary to report outcomes and trends to senior leadership.
• Assists the Director with monitoring and interpreting changes in legislation specific to the administration of the Title IV programs and state aid.
• Assist in the development of the risk assessment program to monitor internal controls as it pertains to institutional policy and required external regulations.
• Assist with oversight of the reviews of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational policies and regulations.
• Leads special projects as assigned to support continuous improvement initiatives and collaboration with other university stakeholders across the organization as needed.
• Lead and guide the SAP process university wide.
• Collaborate and assist with the coordination, preparation, and organization of data and records for the annual compliance audit.
• Identify training needs and train QA team members as needed.
• Provides mentorship, professional development, and coaching to each of their team members through individualized development plans, performance management, and ongoing one on one meetings.
• Coordinate the onboarding for new team members.
• Creates and maintains a culture of excellence and inclusivity through team activities, initiatives, and open communication.
• Assists with the department's strategic vision, in collaboration with senior leadership, for annual goals and outcome-based projects.
• Keep abreast of regulatory changes through daily publications, workshops, and conferences, and through the assistance and the direction of the Director, Quality Assurance and Vice President, Financial Aid.
• Participate in ongoing department projects, or other special projects, as needed. 
• Tracks and monitors schedules and attendance of team members.
• Reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirements of the position. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Supervisor duties to include:

• Direct oversight of at least ten (10) team members.
• Hire, train and develop Quality Assurance Specialists and Managers.
• Oversee and monitor personalized professional development plans for all direct reports.
• Responsible for work allocation and management of overtime.
• Lead team meeting to ensure alignment with institutional and organizational strategic initiatives and proper dissemination of information.
• Direct oversight for all performance management actions inclusive of direct coaching, HR performance action delivery, and termination of team members.  

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Quality Assurance, Financial Aid, advising, training, auditing, military benefits, accounting, or related experience required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience required.
• Current knowledge of Financial Aid programs and regulations required.
• Preferred experience in non-term Financial Aid management.
• Knowledge of internal policies and procedures required.
• Regulatory analysis and interpretation experience preferred.
• Experience with data processing and automated records maintenance systems preferred.
• Experience in higher education required.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.
• All skills, abilities and education will be considered for minimum qualifications.
• Preferred FAAC certified (Certified Financial Aid Administrator) professional.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Knowledge of available private, state, and federal Financial Aid programs.
• Experience in non-term Financial Aid management preferred.
• Experience as a VA certifying official.
• Knowledge of academic and business workings of a higher education institution.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of EDExpress and PeopleSoft software.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in operating equipment, such as personal computer and phone system.
• Skill in utilizing technology, including ability to navigate websites, perform word processing, create spreadsheets, send e-mail and electronic messages.
• Ability to use and facilitate online communications using email and/or other technology-based communication media.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and strong time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prepare letters, reports, and business correspondence.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and other applications in the Microsoft Office suite.

Location: Remote

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

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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.

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: $63,720.00 - $86,020.00

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.