Student Financial Services, Director of Compliance

state, and institutional regulations, including Title IV, FERPA, GLBA, and state aid requirements, while overseeing policy development, audit readiness, reconciliation processes, and ongoing staff training. Serving as a key resource for campus stakeholders, the director maintains thorough documentation, supports data integrity across systems, and manages the full spectrum of compliance activities tied to disbursement, reporting, SAP, R2T4, and consumer information.

This leader works collaboratively across Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Enrollment Management, IT, and Finance to ensure seamless, compliant operations that support student success and institutional accountability. As the primary liaison to the Department of Education, state agencies, and external auditors, the director provides clear communication to senior leadership on compliance risks, audit findings, and policy updates. Grounded in deep regulatory expertise and a commitment to accuracy and service, this role strengthens Iona’s mission by safeguarding the processes that underpin access, affordability, and student opportunity.

Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance:

• Monitor and implement federal, state, and institutional regulations (Title IV, FERPA, GLBA, IRS 1098-T)
• Ensure compliance with ED requirements: disbursement, R2T4, SAP, consumer disclosures.
• Oversee compliance with state grant and scholarship programs and institutional aid policies.
• Maintain documentation and audit trails for reviews.

Reconciliation:

• Perform monthly Pell Grant and Direct Loan reconciliations with COD, G5, and internal records.
• Investigate and resolve all discrepancies promptly.
• Complete year-end reconciliation before federal deadlines; ensure accurate reporting for audits.

Policy & Procedure Management:

• Develop and enforce institutional policies for financial aid, billing, and collections.
• Conduct compliance audits and collaborate with IT, Finance, and Enrollment for data integrity.
• Collaborate with IT, Finance, and Enrollment Management to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance in all systems.

Audit & Reporting:

• Coordinate internal/external audits and federal program reviews.
• Prepare and submit required federal and state financial aid reports; address findings with corrective actions.

Collaboration:

• Serve as the institutional liaison to the Department of Education, state agencies, and external auditors for financial aid compliance matters.
• Work collaboratively with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Registrar, and Enrollment Management to ensure compliance across all student financial processes.
• Maintain transparent communication with senior leadership on compliance risks, audit outcomes, and policy changes.
• Provide compliance training for staff; serve as subject matter expert for campus stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s in Business, Accounting, Higher Ed Admin (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: 5-7 years in financial aid/student accounts; 3+ years in compliance or leadership.
• Skills: Expertise in Title IV regulations, reconciliation, and reporting; strong analytical, communication, and leadership abilities; experience with SIS (Ellucian, PeopleSoft, Colleague).

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Student Financial Services, Director of Compliance at Iona University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Dr. Lea Johnson, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
lea@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by January 23, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.