Associate Director of Operations for Financial Aid

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University of Indianapolis

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Category: Financial Aid
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

The Associate Director of Operations, Financial Aid is a key leadership position responsible for the efficient and effective daily operations of the financial aid office. This role oversees the management of Assistant Directors and operational staff, ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of financial aid processes.

The Associate Director is responsible for updating office policies, procedures, and frequently used financial aid documentation to ensure accurate and timely completion of operational tasks, including Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations, Tuition Benefits processing, and both State and Pell Grant reconciliation. This position also oversees financial aid coordination for study abroad programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and effective communication with the study abroad office.

The Associate Director supports the Director of Financial Aid in the preparation of the annual FISAP report and responding to internal audits. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, exceptional attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and a demonstrated commitment to a student-focused approach. This position also includes participation in professional development and financial aid conferences (in-person or virtually) to remain current on industry standards and regulations.

REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience

5–7 years of financial aid experience with a focus on operational responsibilities.
Proven supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of Title IV, Pell, and State financial aid programs, reconciliation, and study abroad financial aid processing.
Experience with systems such as Banner, Slate, and Cognos.
Demonstrated ability to maintain and implement policy and documentation.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Commitment to excellent customer service and student success.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in a relevant field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Assistant Directors and operational staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Management

Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
Delegate tasks and ensure accountability.
Assist with recruitment and onboarding of new staff.

Policy and Procedure Development and Maintenance

Develop and maintain financial aid policies, procedures, and frequently used documentation.
Ensure all procedures reflect federal, state, and institutional compliance.
Communicate updates clearly to financial aid staff.

Operational Oversight

Oversee Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations and compliance.
Manage Tuition Benefits processing and reconciliation.
Supervise Pell and State Grant reconciliation, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
Coordinate financial aid processes for study abroad programs, including cost of attendance adjustments, aid eligibility, and disbursement timing.
Monitor operational metrics and seek process improvements.
Maintain the integrity and accuracy of student data within the student information system.

Compliance and Reporting

Stay current on federal and state regulations.
Assist with FISAP preparation and audit support.
Ensure compliance with all financial aid-related policies and regulations.

Company Description

Thank you for your interest in the University of Indianapolis! The University is a private, liberal arts university located on 65 acres just minutes from downtown Indianapolis. With more than 700 faculty and staff, it is a place where you can become part of a close-knit campus community that emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in the future growth of the University.

UIndy’s mission is to prepare its graduates for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in the complex societies in which they live and serve and for excellence and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The motto of "Education for Service" provides the foundation for our work to better our communities, both near and far.

As University employees, we know the work we do is important to our students and our communities. To accomplish our mission, we welcome talented, civic-minded, and diverse individuals from all career levels to help maintain our high standards of excellence and quality. If you want to join our dynamic environment and experience hard work, creativity, and teamwork, we welcome your application!

The University of Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University of Indianapolis does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission as required by Title IX.