Job Description

The Financial Aid Compliance Specialist reports directly to the Executive Director of Financial Aid Services and Chief Student Financial Aid Officer and supports the Executive Director with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with federal and state financial aid rules and regulations, as well as institutional regulations and policies and procedures. This position involves training of staff, monitoring different processes, assisting in the assessment of existing controls and practices, identifying areas where improvement is needed in relation to Federal Title IV regulations, requirements, and best practices. Provides high quality customer service to ensure that services provided to federal and state agencies, university departments, students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders are delivered accurately, timely, and professionally.

The Financial Aid Compliance Specialist will have:

Integrity: Accountability for doing the right thing by exercising good judgment and honesty. Ability to create a safe environment for students and families and team members, including having emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Transparency and thoughtfulness in communication.

Care: Prioritization of creating the best experience possible for each person we encounter and at every step of the student experience. Providing service to others by being friendly, approachable and inclusive. Commitment to collaboration and to being a team player with a positive attitude.

Inclusivity: The ability to work with a diverse group of people and having the ability to relate and be relatable to all those we serve.

Intentionality: Strong work ethic and contribution to the excellence of the Division of Enrollment Management and OU; self-motivation. Consistency in meeting deadlines and responding in a timely manner.

Innovation: Possession of a natural curiosity to learn and a continual pursuit of personal and professional growth in the field of college enrollment management. A focus on innovation, displaying an understanding of positive change and possessing a strong analytic ability. Efficiency by researching best practices, making creativity a priority.

Essential Duties:

• Assist the Executive Director in establishing and implementing financial aid guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Liaison with federal, state, and other agencies to answer questions, resolve problems, provide data, interpret, and apply changes in rules and regulations concerning financial aid.
• Research and respond to regulatory questions and issues regarding financial aid.
• Research, analyze, develop, and recommend departmental processes and procedures to increase and improve operational efficiency and to ensure proper controls and regulatory compliance.
• Read, comprehend, interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and statutes governing Financial Aid programs and services including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, scholarships, and other related programs.
• Coordinate staff training on continued and changing federal, state and institutional regulations; review and make recommendations to ensure institutional policies and procedures are updated on a regular and consistent basis.
• Coordinate the ongoing compliance with federal consumer protection and disclosure requirements with other university departments.
• Coordinate the ongoing compliance of foreign gift reporting with other university departments.
• Assist in reviewing and providing guidance for the development of federally compliant content for the Financial Aid website.
• Assist in the coordination of information gathering for annual financial aid audits as well as manage responses to Federal Student Aid complaints and inquiries.
• Assist with the preparation of required reports for federal, state, and institutional needs.
• Attends meetings, workgroup sessions and seminars.
• Provides training and develops on-going training as needed.
• Assist with special project assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

**This position will be located in Norman with a flexible and/or part-time remote option possible after required training period. This position is also eligible to participate in our Launch Advancement Program and receive up to $7,500 upon completion. ***

Job Requirements

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree, AND:

• 24 months of project management or related experience.

Equivalency Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor Degree for a total of 72 months of related experience.

Skills:

• Advanced organization and communication skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to make independent decisions and judgment when following broad instructions
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and prioritize workload
• Advanced level of analytical, evaluative, and constructive thinking.

Certifications:

• None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Sit for prolonged periods. Communicate effectively and listen. Use of a computer. Manual dexterity.
• Standard Office Environment

Departmental Preferences:

• Financial Aid experience
• Master's or Juris Doctorate
• 12 months in administration or compliance
• Knowledge of financial aid compliance, regulations, and best practices

Supervision:

• None

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.