Description

Summary

The University of Memphis is accepting applications for a Deputy Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. The Deputy Director, in collaboration with the Executive Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, oversees office-wide functions and the daily office operations. The Deputy Director is directly responsible for the leadership of the Operations and Compliance team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with the Executive Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to provide leadership for office-wide functions and daily operations. Responsible for overseeing the management and general administration of all financial aid programs, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Identify opportunities for operational effectiveness and continuous improvement across financial aid and make recommendations. Evaluate federal system access and security needs, and coordinate new aid year setup in partnership with the student financial aid data and systems team.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for all Title IV programs in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Operations and Compliance. Coordinate and manage audit preparation and response. Support institutional readiness by interpreting federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, recommending, and implementing necessary changes. Develop and execute internal controls and processes to maintain compliance standards. Coordinate the administration of the TEACH Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Federal Work-Study programs, as well as several smaller Tennessee grant programs.
• Lead the operations and compliance team to ensure policies, procedures, and training materials remain current and aligned with regulatory requirements. Implement policies and procedures related to key financial aid functions, including verification, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), loan processing, professional judgment, and other regulated areas. Monitor daily and weekly compliance reports to ensure adherence and identify areas for improvement.
• Work in close coordination with the Associate Director of Customer Service, Associate Director of Financial Aid Systems, and staff across various Enrollment Management offices to develop and implement effective communication and outreach strategies using systems such as Banner, Slate, EAB, and Argos. Actively participate in university committees, contributing to cross-functional initiatives. Maintain strong collaborative relationships with key campus departments—including Admissions, Athletics, the Comptroller’s Office, Registrar, and University and Student Business Services—to support compliant, efficient, and student-centered operations.
• Develop and deliver training sessions for both new and current staff to ensure awareness of updates to federal, state, and institutional guidelines and regulations. Collaborate with the Associate Director of Financial Aid Customer Service to clearly explain and justify financial aid policies and regulatory requirements, supporting consistent and accurate communication to staff and students.
• Coordinate operational activities in collaboration with the Associate Director of Financial Aid Systems, including the development and maintenance of a master operations calendar to support strategic prioritization of projects and responsibilities, optimize the timing of financial aid processes, ensure compliance, and facilitate timely reporting.
• Support the Executive Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships in completing the FISAP, as well as other federal, state, institutional, and external reports. Assist in responding to auditor inquiries and requests.
• Represent the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships in various on- and off-campus settings/events. Participates in professional development opportunities offered by relevant organizations to stay current with applicable regulations. Serve as acting Executive Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships when requested or during the Executive Director’s absence to include responding to senior administration, managing escalated issues, making department-wide decisions, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office.
• Other duties as assigned.

University of Memphis Quick Facts & Information for Prospective Employees

Quick Facts

Information for Prospective Employees

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area and eight years of appropriate experience. Relevant experience may substitute for required education.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision 
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of Banner
  • Knowledge of Slate
  • Knowledge of SQL
  • Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations and processes
  • Ability to effectively manage employees
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to effectively prioritize projects
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Knowledge of best practices to manage high volume operations
  • Ability to maintain prompt and regular attendance