Director of Program Operations (ACPE)(PCN 05-0401)

State of Alaska•Juneau, AK

33d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is recruiting for a Director of Program Operations to join our leadership team in Juneau. The Director of Program Operations serves as ACPE's Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for the administration and oversight of Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education and Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) financial aid programs, including loan, scholarship and grant origination and servicing, contractor oversight and monitoring, compliance, and research and analysis. This position also manages special projects and strategic initiatives, and may act on behalf of the Executive Director in their absence. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional leadership and strategic management capabilities, possesses a strong understanding of financial aid operations and compliance, and is committed to advancing ACPE's mission of providing sustainable solutions for college, career, and technical training. They will actively support and model ACPE's values: Service, Innovation, Empowerment, Quality, and Accountability.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college (business administration, accounting, or finance preferred)
Five years of broad mid- to upper-management experience in a financial field. Proven leadership record in loan management, electronic commerce, or large customer service administration is required.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing federal and state financial aid programs
Experience developing, interpreting, and implementing complex laws and regulations
Proven leadership in managing large, multi-functional teams and complex financial operations
Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including representing the agency in public forums
Experience with electronic loan servicing and financial management systems
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders in a highly regulated environment
Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information and decision-making
management experience in consumer, educational, or federal student lending programs

Responsibilities

Oversee administration of ACPE and ASLC financial aid programs (grants, scholarships, and loans); school compliance; research and analysis; and special projects and programs
Ensure appropriate standards of management and compliance oversight of program operations and activities
Develop, deploy, and monitor program goals and strategies to ensure program effectiveness and efficiency; develop tools to measure program success
Ensure division activities comply with federal and state laws and all applicable program requirements
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Perform strategic and day-to-day problem resolution
Act as functional and security owner of application processing and servicing systems
Recommend changes to regulation and policy as needed; implement approved changes
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, sub-regulatory guidance, and procedures; recommend modifications to statutes, regulations, and policies as appropriate
Lead the agency's Program Operations Division
Set Division goals; develop and implement strategic plans and associated budgets to meet goals and maintain accountability to stakeholders
Select, train, supervise, and evaluate Division management staff and other assigned staff positions
Collaborate with senior managers and external partners to access essential resources (IT, financial, legal, and related expertise)
Resolve internal and external conflicts
Ensure that all Division communications with customers, partners, and constituents are consistent, accurate, efficient, effective, and professional
Develop management reports summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating Division activity for internal and external performance review and benchmarking
Develop and manage the division budget
Represent the Division in public forums
Lead the Operations' Divisional management team, and serve on the agency's extended management team and relevant ad hoc committees
Lead strategic operational and agency initiatives
Develop and chair project committees as needed
Serve as liaison with other divisions, organizations, and states
Analyze strategic issues, propose solutions, and lead implementation
Coordinate Division activities with other senior managers and ensure appropriate documentation of Division work
Participate in setting agency goals and objectives and monitoring agency effectiveness and efficiency
Participate in allocating agency budget and human resources to agency programs and services
Determine when matters require executive director review and elevate appropriately
Perform special projects or research as assigned by the executive director

Benefits

Positions with the Commission are eligible for all State of Alaska health care, leave, and retirement benefits.
Health insurance (medical/vision/dental), with employer contributions
Employer-paid Basic Life Insurance (additional optional coverage may be available)
Optional group insurance programs, including long-term/short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, long-term care, and supplemental survivor benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Membership in PERS or TRS
Employer contributions to defined contribution or defined benefit plans, depending on hire date
Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity in lieu of Social Security
Optional enrollment in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
Personal leave accrual, with increases based on time served
Twelve paid holidays per year