Director of Program Operations; ACPE)(PCN

Do you want to help more students access higher education through efficient, impactful operations?
Are you skilled at improving systems and leading teams to deliver excellent service?
Can you turn big ideas into real results that make programs fair, effective, and sustainable?
Are you ready to lead change that strengthens trust and equity in student lending?
If so, you are encouraged to join the Program Operations team at the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education! 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.

Subject to HR and division approval, we offer hybrid telework options once employees have completed the required probationary period.

ACPE’s Juneau office is located in the Vintage Business Park area of Mendenhall Valley, conveniently close to the bus line, with ample parking available. Standard work hours and work location are outlined in the ACPE Telework Agreement. Based on business needs, this position may occasionally require alternate workdays and/or reporting to the main workplace on an otherwise scheduled telework day.

The position may also require periodic overnight travel, both in‑ and out‑of‑state, to represent ACPE in meetings, conferences, and collaborative initiatives.

Positions with the Commission are eligible for all State of Alaska health care, leave, and retirement benefits. For more information about ACPE, our mission, and our services, please visit our website at:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

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
.

The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• 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

• 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…