Assistant Director of Student Loans

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Student Loan Compliance is responsible for overseeing institutional compliance related to federal student loan programs and other applicable Title IV regulations. This position administers federal and private student loan programs while ensuring accurate administration, reporting, reconciliation, and regulatory compliance for federal student loan programs while providing operational leadership and compliance guidance within the Office of Financial Aid. The Assistant Director serves as a subject matter expert on federal regulations, collaborates with campus partners, supports audits and program reviews, and recommends process improvements to maintain institutional compliance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Student Loan Compliance Administration

• Oversee compliance with federal regulations governing the administration of federal and private student loan programs. 
• Administer the Federal Direct Loan Program, including Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct PLUS, and Graduate PLUS Loans
• Oversee private education loan certification and processing through ELMOne
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. 
• Monitor changes to federal regulations and recommend policy and procedural updates. 
• Interpret federal regulations and provide guidance to financial aid staff, university administrators, and campus partners. 
• Ensure institutional practices comply with Department of Education requirements. 

Federal Systems Management and Reporting

• Oversee electronic transmission and receipt of financial aid data through federal systems, including the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System, NSLDS Professional Access, and other U.S. Department of Education systems.
• Monitor and reconcile institutional records with federal reporting systems. 
• Analyze system reports to identify discrepancies and coordinate timely corrections. 
• Ensure accurate reporting and timely submission of required federal data. 

Financial Oversight and Reconciliation

• Monitor reconciliation of federal student loan programs to ensure institutional records align with federal systems and university accounting records. 
• Coordinate with Finance and Administration regarding federal funding, accounting transactions, adjustments, and reporting requirements. 
• Analyze reconciliation reports and resolve discrepancies. 
• Maintain documentation supporting compliance and reconciliation activities. 
• Ensure compliance with federal cash management regulations related to student loan funding and disbursement.

Audit, Compliance, and Regulatory Support

• Serve as a primary compliance resource for federal student loan regulations. 
• Coordinate responses to internal audits, external audits, and federal or state program reviews. 
• Prepare documentation and reports requested during compliance reviews. 
• Recommend and implement corrective actions resulting from audit findings or regulatory changes. 
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews to ensure adherence to institutional policies and federal requirements. 

Leadership and Operational Support

• Assist the Director with operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Provide guidance and training to financial aid staff regarding compliance requirements and regulatory updates. 
• Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and training materials. 
• Coordinate office participation in outreach, financial literacy, and recruitment activities. 
• Serve on institutional committees and represent the Office of Financial Aid on compliance-related matters. 

Other Duties

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal student loan regulations and Title IV compliance requirements. 
• Knowledge of Department of Education systems, including the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System, NSLDS Professional Access, FAFSA Partner Portal, and StudentAid.gov resources.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations and institutional policies. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to analyze financial and regulatory data and resolve discrepancies. 
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment in a highly regulated environment. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external agencies. 
• Proficiency with Ellucian Banner and Microsoft Office applications. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments while meeting regulatory deadlines. 

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required. 
• Minimum of two years of experience in a financial aid or higher education compliance setting; progressively responsible experience with Title IV programs preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with federal financial aid policies and regulations.
• Successful completion of a background check required.  

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work primarily performed in an office environment, involving extended periods of sitting and routine use of a computer.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.