Associate Director, Financial Aid

Associate Director, Financial Aid AgencyScholarships & Financial Aid is seeking an Associate Director to lead the Military Education Benefits team. This includes oversight of federal, state, and institutional programs such as the GI Bill, Hazlewood Act, and Gates-Adams Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program funded by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The role emphasizes regulatory compliance, program integrity, and efficient service delivery to military-affiliated students. The Associate Director leads the Military Benefits Processing team in strategic planning, program development, and personnel management, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and student success. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with extensive experience in higher education or complex organizational environments, skilled in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and process optimization to advance institutional goals and deliver exceptional support to military-affiliated students.The mission of Scholarships & Financial Aid is to provide students and their families with the financial information, resources, and support needed to attend Texas A&M University. We offer a wide range of financial assistance programs, including grants, student loans, work-study employment, military education benefits, athletic aid coordination, and short-term and emergency tuition loans. Our office administers aid and military education benefits for students at Texas A&M's College Station, Galveston, McAllen, School of Law, and Health Science Center campusesdisbursing over $1 billion in financial assistance during the last academic year.Salary: $80,000.00/annuallyCover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.Other Requirements:Occasional travel.May be asked to work weekends, holidays, and outside regular business hours during peak periods.Must comply with Texas A&M System Policy 07.02 Texas Higher Education Fair Lending Practices.Must be in good standing on all Federal Student Loans. The U.S. Dept. Of Education will not grant access to student loan data for any individual who is in default status. Access to such information is a necessity for this position. Must be able to rectify default status within three months of employment. Good standing must be maintained for continued employment.Essential Duties/TasksLeadership And Management:Supervises and directs military education benefits staff in processing and record management.Oversees certification of federal, state, and institutional military education benefits.Provides leadership in developing new programs and services for military-affiliated students.Establishes long- and short-term goals for the Military Benefits Processing team.Serves as a resource for students and families seeking military education benefits information.Electronic Services And Business Process Management:Collaborates with the Director to identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and accuracy.Evaluates and enhances electronic systems and web services related to military benefits.Coordinates with IT and other departments to ensure system integration and efficiency.Researches best practices in military benefits processing and applies them to TAMU operations.Administration:Supports strategic initiatives and directives from university leadership including the initiative to become the number one veteran serving institution.Ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and institutional policies.Assists with personnel management, policy development, and strategic planning.Oversees communication of regulatory updates and ensures staff training.Compliance:Serves as main liaison for regular audits by the VA and Texas Veterans Commission (our SAA).Leads ongoing internal reviews and identifies opportunities for improvement for all campus sites and facilities for military education benefits processing.Ensures high-quality performance and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.Participates in audits and implements corrective actions as needed.Develops and delivers training programs for staff.Miscellaneous Duties:Assists with preparation of reports and data submissions.Represents the office at official functions and outreach events.Maintains professional memberships and participates in relevant committees.QualificationsRequired Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.Seven years of professional experience in a professional setting, preferably in higher education, military/veteran services, or financial aid, including supervisory experience leading a team.Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree in Student Affairs, Education, Public Administration, Business, Counseling, or related field.Experience at the Assistant Director level or higher in a medium to large higher education institution.Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures with a focus on continuous improvement.Knowledge of Banner and FAMIS (TAMU accounting software).Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing military education benefits.Experience with automated systems and data processing (e.g., VA-Enrollment Manager, Banner).Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities.Why Texas A&M University?We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums12-15 days of annual paid holidaysUp to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each monthAutomatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of TexasHealth and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release timeProfessional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and moreEducational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employeeLiving Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employeesTexas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.