Assistant Director, Compliance

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY—a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents, and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid‑time off for holidays, vacation, and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided.

Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green /about.

• Ensures institutional compliance and accountability with regulations that govern federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs
• Continually reviews, modifies, and enforces policy and procedure revisions for financial aid programs based on most up-to-date guidance
• Assists with reporting responsibilities for federal, state, and institutional aid programs
• Works in collaboration with auditors in various review processes
• Leads SFA Compliance efforts by identifying areas in need of review and implements changes as appropriate
• Manages Return to Title‑IV process
• Oversees both Federal Direct and Private Loan Programs
• Oversees both Federal Pell Grant and KY College Access Program Grants
• Oversees the VA and Military Educational Benefits Programs
• Assists in management of all financial aid programs as necessary
• Provides regularly scheduled on‑going training opportunities for staff
• Reviews reconciliation processes for all programs and documents completion monthly, directing program coordinators as needed

• Develops annual strategies for effective and efficient delivery of financial aid services
• Develops cost of attendance budgets for various student populations
• Works with Admissions, Registrar's, Billings, WKU‑IT and other associated areas across campus to ensure necessary communication and record transfer occurs relative to financial aid between these areas.
• Counsels students and families in the financial aid process as necessary
• Other duties as assigned by the Director

• At least three years of financial aid related experience
• Comprehensive understanding of federal and state aid programs and governing regulations
• Skills in examining and re‑engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
• Aptitude to lead, train and develop staff
• Strong decision‑making skills that include the ability to evaluate data quickly, set policy, and lead process implementation
• Self‑motivated with excellent organization, interpersonal and communication skills. Attention to detail and accuracy are critical components of this position

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre‑employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals.…