Assistant Director Financial Aid Systems and Compliance

Department

Compensation

General Description / Primary Purpose

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid supports the Director in overseeing the operational, systems, and compliance functions of the Office of Student Financial Aid. This role ensures the effective delivery of federal, state, and institutional aid by integrating functional operations with financial aid technology systems (e.g., Banner) and leading process improvement initiatives that enhance service, compliance, and student success.

Job Functions

• Lead operational and systems integration efforts for financial aid processing, ensuring efficient use of Banner Financial Aid and related systems to support awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation.

• Supervise and develop financial aid staff, including processing teams and/or systems support staff, ensuring high performance, accountability, and adherence to service standards.

• Ensure compliance with all federal (Title IV), state, and institutional financial aid regulations through monitoring, training, and implementation of policies and procedures.

• Coordinate financial aid systems management, including testing system upgrades, implementing enhancements, and maintaining data integrity across Banner and supporting platforms.

• Serve as liaison between Financial Aid and ITS, translating functional needs into technical requirements and ensuring timely resolution of system issues and enhancements.

• Analyze business processes and recommend improvements to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and increase efficiency in financial aid processing.

• Oversee reporting and data analysis, including development of reports using Banner, Cognos, or other tools to support compliance, audits, and strategic decision-making.

• Assist in development and implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and institutional goals.

• Resolve escalated student and system-related issues, ensuring timely and accurate resolution while maintaining a student-centered approach.

• Support training and professional development, including delivering training on financial aid systems, policies, and processes to staff and campus partners.

• Collaborate with campus partners (Enrollment Services, IT, Finance, Foundation) to support enrollment, retention, and financial aid delivery goals.

• Support audit and compliance activities, including preparation of documentation, reconciliation processes, and responses to internal and external audits.

• Contribute to strategic initiatives, including technology implementations, process redesign, and student success efforts.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervision is received from the Director of Student Financial Aid.

• Exercises supervision over assigned financial aid processing staff, systems staff, and/or student assistants.

Marginal Functions

• Assist with student-facing services during peak processing periods.

• Participate in university committees, projects, and special initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.