Senior Associate Director, Financial Aid Operations & Compliance

Under the general supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations and Compliance serves as the office’s senior operational leader. The position directly supervises two Associate Directors and assists them in coordinating the day-to-day work of financial aid counselors.

The Senior Associate Director leads consistent, student-focused service and oversees day-to-day compliance and quality assurance for both federal and institutional aid programs. The role translates policy into reliable procedures, helps staff resolve complex cases, and addresses problems before they delay or misstate students’ aid. Regular and predictable on‑site attendance is required because the position involves direct supervision, teamwork, and in‑person service;

occasional flexible hours may be necessary.

The Senior Associate Director works with Student Accounts, the Registrar, Admissions, Information Technology, and other offices to coordinate financial aid operations and improve the student experience. When delegated, the position provides operational leadership in the Director’s absence within established authority.

This position supports HPU’s mission and strategic plan through teamwork, customer focus, continuous learning, effective use of technology, respect for diversity, sound judgment, and openness to change.

The Senior Associate Director handles sensitive student and financial information and represents the University with care and professionalism. Decisions in this role can affect students, regulatory compliance, University resources, and HPU’s reputation.

This position will sit at our Waterfront Plaza campus in downtown Honolulu.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• At least five years of leadership experience in financial aid administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and institutional financial aid programs and the rules governing their administration.
• Experience supervising and developing staff, setting priorities, and coordinating work across multiple financial aid functions.
• Experience applying financial aid policies and regulations to complex student cases and day‑to‑day office practices.
• Ability to develop written procedures, assess internal controls, review files, identify errors, and implement corrective action.
• Working knowledge of financial aid systems, reporting, and data analysis used to monitor processing and compliance.

• Experience with the Banner information system or a comparable student information system.
• Master’s degree.
• Ten or more years of experience in financial aid administration, including significant leadership, compliance, audit, or process improvement responsibilities.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with students, staff, and institutional partners.
• Appreciation for the academic mission and culture of a university.

• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to move ideas forward collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate clearly with institutional partners and external audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Commitment to accurate data, consistent service, and continuous improvement.
• Sensitivity to and respect for the varied needs of a diverse student population.
• Proficiency with office technology and the ability to learn new systems.
• Ability to manage time and competing demands effectively in a busy service environment.
• Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance are not available for this position.
• May be required to work during…