Manager, Financial Aid Operations

Manager, Financial Aid Operations

Reports to: Director, Financial Aid

Position Summary:

The Manager of Financial Aid Operations serves as the operational leader of the Financial Aid Office and is a key strategic partner to the Director of Financial Aid. This position is responsible for overseeing the administration, compliance, processing, and continuous operational improvement of federal, state, and donor scholarship programs. Working closely with the Director, the Manager of Financial Aid Operations fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student-centered service while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and institutional policies. This position exercises significant independent judgement and decision-making authority while helping shape the operational effectiveness of the Financial Aid Office.

In addition to fulfilling this purpose, each employee continuously strives to bring about the mission of Ensign College, which is to develop capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.

Essential Job Functions:

Financial Aid Operations Leadership

• Lead and oversee daily financial aid processing operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant administration of aid programs.

• Monitor processing performance and implement solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Assist with employee onboarding, performance development, and workflow management.

• Provide leadership, mentoring, training, and cross-training support within the Financial Aid Office.

• Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement among team members.

• Act on behalf of the Director of Financial Aid as assigned and provide continuity of leadership during periods of absence.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Develop, document, implement, and continuously improve operational procedures.

• Assist in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.

• Maintain and enhance internal controls designed to reduce institutional risk.

• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend operational adjustments to maintain compliance.

• Support preparation for audits, program reviews, compliance assessments, and reporting requirements.

Strategic Planning

• Partner with the Financial Aid Director in strategic planning, goal setting, and departmental initiatives.

• Lead process improvement projects and change management efforts across the Financial Aid Office.

• Identify emerging challenges and proactively develop recommendations.

• Promote innovation and operational excellence through assessment, evaluation, and implementation of best practices in student aid administration.

• Serve as a key contributor to strategic and operational decisions affecting the Financial Aid Office.

Aid Administration and Collaboration

• Coordinate annual processing and reviewing cycles, including FAFSA processing, verification, awarding, repackaging, R2T4, reconciliation, and reporting activities.

• Recommend policy, procedural, and organizational changes to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

• Ensure communications are accurate, timely, student-focused, and aligned with institutional goals.

• Collaborate with student facing departments and other campus partners to improve aid administration, operational processes, institutional compliance, and enhance the student experience.

• Serve as a resource and escalation point for complex financial aid situations and operational challenges.

Reporting and Data Management

• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and operational metrics that support decision-making and process improvement.

• Analyze data and trends to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, improved student outcomes, and enhanced service delivery.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• 5+ years of experience working in financial aid

• Demonstrated understanding of federal Title IV financial aid regulations and administration.

• Experience with process improvement, workflow redesign, or other operational effectiveness initiatives.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate tasks effectively, and foster a collaborative work environment.

• Commitment to providing excellent customer service to students and other campus partners.

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to identify opportunities for improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with federal financial aid management systems

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to collaborate and drive results in projects, teams, or initiatives.

• Proficiency in developing productive relationships across departments and organizational levels.

• Experience with PeopleSoft, Scholarship Universe, and/or Workday Student

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish to support outreach efforts

Requirements for Employment Eligibility: 

• Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Worthiness to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

• Receive clearance from the Church Educational System Ecclesiastical Clearance Office.

• Strict adherence to company policies and procedures.

• Commitment to bring about the purposes of Ensign College.

• Reside in Utah and able to work in person at our downtown Salt Lake City campus. 

Ensign College is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, or veteran's status. As an educational institution owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ensign College gives lawful hiring preference to qualified, faithful members of the Church who are in good standing.