Associate Director, Financial Aid - Compliance & Operations

The University of New Mexico (UNM) Student Financial Aid Office is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and service-driven professional to serve as Associate Director for Financial Aid Compliance & Operations. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead critical functions within a forward-thinking financial aid office dedicated to access, equity, and student success.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director provides strategic, compliance and operational leadership for the Financial Aid Processing, Scholarships, and Student Employment programs within the department. This role ensures regulatory compliance, operational and systems efficiency, and a student-centered service experience across all areas of responsibility, working closely with the technical operations of the department.

The Associate Director collaborates closely with colleagues across the Division of Enrollment Management and campuswide partners and serves as the primary administrator in the Director's absence. The individual in this role actively contributes to long-term planning and the optimization of financial aid resources in support of UNM's recruitment, retention, and completion goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive operational strategies that support institutional goals for access, affordability, and student success.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set priorities and performance targets for all operational areas.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Federal Aid Processing, Scholarships, and Student Employment teams.
• Monitor and hold managers accountable for meeting deadlines, compliance standards, and service quality.
• Lead operational planning, resource allocation, and performance reviews to optimize workflows and staffing.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and audit requirements.
• Collaborate in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of processes, workflows, and systems that support accurate, timely delivery of aid.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and SOPs across all teams, maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Interpret regulatory changes and coordinate timely implementation of system and process updates.
• Expand student employment and work-study programs through cross-campus partnerships.
• Support institutional initiatives aimed at improving financial aid delivery and student experience.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers, fostering accountability and professional growth.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor regulatory updates and ensure timely application of new rules, documentation, and collaborate on system changes.

Required Qualifications:

• Broad experience administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of scholarship and student employment program administration.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using data to inform decisions.
• Excellent communication skills-oral, written, and presentation.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced, student-focused environment.
• Experience leading through multiple layers of staff, with direct oversight of supervisors or managers and proven ability to develop leadership capability, drive accountability, and ensure consistent performance across teams.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.