Assistant Director and Financial Aid Compliance Counselor

Missouri Southern State University•Joplin, MO

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Compliance & Student Experience plays a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, student-centered financial aid services. This position combines advanced financial aid counseling, compliance expertise, and front-line leadership to ensure accurate awarding, regulatory adherence, and a positive student experience. The Assistant Director advises students and families on complex financial aid matters, resolves escalated cases, oversees front-facing service delivery, and supports strategic planning and change management within the Financial Aid Office to meet evolving regulatory and student needs.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in higher education administration, finance, or a related field required
Minimum of 35 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration.
Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV requirements.
Experience providing advanced financial aid counseling and resolving complex compliance-related cases.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex financial aid regulations in a student-centered environment.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to lead and support staff through regulatory, operational, and procedural change.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven, compliance-focused environment.
Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and FERPA compliance.
Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree preferred.
Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced counseling to prospective, new, and continuing students on financial aid programs, application requirements, academic progress, degree requirements, deadlines, and processing timelines.
Respond professionally and effectively to sensitive, complex, or escalated inquiries, ensuring equitable, student-centered, and compliant resolutions.
Provide clear explanations of financial aid awards, enrollment changes, withdrawals, billing impacts, and next steps.
Oversee and perform advanced review of financial aid awarding and packaging for undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring accuracy, equity, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional programs.
Review, revise, and approve student financial aid packages to prevent over awards and respond to changes in enrollment, eligibility, or additional resources.
Advise students on the financial aid impact of changes to plans of study, including course variances, consortium agreements, study abroad participation, and alternative loan options.
Determine eligibility for special consideration through professional judgment and override situations; explain documentation and regulatory requirements and coordinate internal review processes as needed.
Oversee verification processes, including review of FAFSA data, tax documentation, academic records, and eligibility criteria, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Review and resolve complex Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) cases, including maximum timeframe, unusual enrollment history, and appeal determinations.
Counsel students regarding academic progress and its effect on current and future financial aid eligibility, including proactive outreach to students at risk of losing aid.
Coordinate and oversee the Return of Title IV (R2T4) process from student withdrawal through calculation, return of funds, post-withdrawal disbursements, and required notifications.
Ensure accurate and timely return of federal funds in compliance with regulatory deadlines, in coordination with the Bursars Office.
Maintain communication with students owing R2T4 balances and counsel them on repayment options and consequences.
Maintain proactive awareness of upcoming federal and state financial aid regulations and legislative changes, and communicate relevant updates to students, families, and staff to ensure understanding, preparedness, and compliance.
Translate regulatory requirements into clear, student-friendly explanations and consistent office practices.
Participate in the annual financial aid audit and related reviews, including documentation preparation, auditor responses, and implementation of recommendations related to student services.
Ensure complete and accurate records are maintained to support internal controls, audits, and external reporting.
Supervise, train, and mentor Financial Aid staff engaged in student-facing services, providing guidance on customer service standards, regulatory compliance, and effective communication.
Develop, coordinate, and encourage participation in ongoing training and professional development opportunities, including internal training, conferences, webinars, and regulatory updates.
Support staff development related to counseling techniques, regulatory application, conflict resolution, and adaptability in a changing environment.
Assist in coordinating service coverage and workflow during peak processing periods and provide direct service support as needed.
Collaborate with Admissions, the Registrar, the Bursars Office, and other campus partners to ensure coordinated, compliant delivery of financial aid services.
Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Financial Aid Office.
Support implementation of new regulations, procedures, and service models, helping staff adapt to operational and regulatory change.
Assist with the development and review of financial aid publications, forms, web content, and outreach materials.
Participate in outreach activities such as orientations, financial aid nights, and community presentations.
Serve as acting Director of Financial Aid in the Directors absence, as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.