Associate Director of Financial Aid Internal Candidates Only

Position Summary
The Associate Director of Financial Aid provides leadership in the administration oversight and management of federal state and institutional financial aid programs in compliance with all applicable laws regulations and institutional policies. Reporting to the Executive Director of Student Financial Services and Title IV Compliance the Associate Director contributes to compliance efforts leads student-friendly operational processes and collaborates with leadership on key financial aid initiatives with delegated responsibility for day-to-day office management complex case resolution and staff supervision. The Associate Director acts on behalf of the Executive Director in their absence and plays a critical role in ensuring regulatory integrity operational efficiency and exceptional service delivery aligned with Texas Wesleyan Universitys mission and enrollment goals.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Leadership Management and Oversight Serve as the primary operational leader for the Office of Financial Aid ensuring continuity of operations and regulatory compliance in the Directors absence. Provide direct supervision training mentoring and performance management for professional and support staff including workflow assignment and quality assurance oversight. Lead staff training initiatives related to federal and state regulatory changes institutional policy updates and system/process enhancements. Establish document and enforce standard operating procedures to ensure consistency accuracy and audit readiness. Work collaboratively with colleagues in Finance and Administration Enrollment Management Registrar Academic Advising Athletics Student Affairs and all other departments to support recruitment and retention of students. Maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders ensuring seamless communication and coordination with Financial Aid. Provide competent and compassionate leadership by cultivating a collaborative respectful and healthy work environment; mentors and supports staff; and advances the institutions core values of connection commitment compassion and courage to enhance student success and belonging. Compliance Policy and Risk Management Support Title IV state and institutional compliance by monitoring routine processes identifying potential issues and helping ensure that financial aid activities align with applicable regulations and guidance. Interpret federal and state regulations and translate requirements into institutional policies procedures and operational practices. Oversee verification ISIR processing SAP professional judgment and conflicting information resolution to ensure compliance and consistency. Lead internal compliance reviews and quality assurance efforts including oversight of third-party servicers and corrective action when deficiencies are identified. Assist in coordinating information and documentation for external auditors and help support the offices response during Single Audit or program review activities. Financial Aid Programs & Systems Administration Provide operational oversight of federal state and institutional aid programs including Pell Grant Direct Loans state aid and institutional funds. Work collaboratively with institutional stakeholders to oversee the Federal Work-Study program including budget management regulatory compliance reconciliation and coordination with payroll supervisors and community partners. Professional Judgment Appeals and Complex Case Resolution Review approve and document professional judgment determinations in accordance with federal state and institutional policy. Serve as the final institutional reviewer for SAP appeals dependency overrides and other exception-based determinations. Resolve escalated and sensitive student and family issues requiring advanced regulatory interpretation and institutional discretion. Awarding Budgeting and Enrollment Support Assist the Executive Director in the oversight of financial aid awarding and packaging strategies to ensure compliance equity and alignment with institutional enrollment and retention goals. Assist the Director with institutional aid budget planning monitoring forecasting and reconciliation. Analyze awarding trends fund utilization and student impact data to support enrollment management and retention initiatives. Collaborate with Admissions Student Accounts Registrar and Institutional Research to ensure coordinated service delivery and data integrity. Communication Outreach and Institutional Engagement Oversee the development review and approval of financial aid communications including email print materials website content and publications. Represent the Office of Financial Aid at orientations recruitment events and university programs. Serve on institutional committees and cross-functional teams supporting student success compliance and operational effectiveness. Maintain open effective communication with campus partners to resolve issues and improve service outcomes. Reporting Data and Continuous Improvement Assist the Executive Director in ensuring timely and accurate completion of federal state and institutional reporting requirements. Review and interpret data related to aid distribution compliance and operational performance to inform decision-making. Lead or support special projects such as system upgrades policy reviews audit preparation and process improvement initiatives. Professional Standards and Conduct Maintain confidentiality of student records and exercise independent judgment in the handling of sensitive information. Demonstrate professionalism integrity and cultural competence when working with a diverse population of students families faculty staff and external partners. Manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced compliance-driven environment. Other Responsibilities Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission goals and strategic priorities of Texas Wesleyan University.