Associate Dean, Compliance and Training

Associate Dean, Compliance and Training

The University of Southern California (USC) seeks a strategic and experienced professional for the position of Associate Dean, Compliance and Training within the Office of Financial Aid. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management, this critical role will oversee university-wide financial aid compliance and training, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations for both undergraduate and graduate financial aid programs.

The Associate Dean, Compliance and Training, will play a vital role in managing financial aid compliance, mitigating institutional risk, and collaborating with key university stakeholders, including USC’s Office of the General Counsel, to ensure that USC remains fully compliant in all aspects of its financial aid operations. This position also oversees complex decision-making regarding operational strategies, working closely with multiple units to ensure the seamless processing and administration of financial aid awards.

Key Responsibilities:

· Compliance Oversight: Ensure full compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations, including Title IV, by identifying risks, monitoring compliance, and working closely with the Office of General Counsel and federal agencies.

· Audit Research & Response: Lead the research and drafting of responses to Department of Education audits, including oversight of corrective actions and communications with university leadership.

· Supervision of High-Risk Federal Aid Areas: Supervise critical areas of compliance such as Return to Title IV and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to safeguard federal aid eligibility, citizenship requirements, and other high-risk areas.

· Athletic Scholarship Compliance & Alston Program: Oversee the administration of athletic scholarships, ensuring compliance with NCAA, federal, and university regulations. Manage USC’s participation in the Alston program for student-athlete awards.

· Management of Restricted & Unrestricted Funds: Oversee the awarding of restricted and unrestricted funds from gift and endowed accounts in compliance with donor agreements and university policies. Maintain USC’s Scholarship Universe portal for scholarship management.

· Committee Participation & Expertise: Serve as the university’s financial aid expert on multiple committees, such as the Compliance and Ethics Committee, USAAC, UCOC, and the Data Privacy Committee. Offer expertise on complex financial aid issues.

· Leadership & Strategy: Collaborate with the Director of Financial Aid to set the strategic direction for university-wide undergraduate and graduate financial aid programs, ensuring compliance, fund management, and coordination of financial aid across academic units.

The Candidate for Associate Dean, Compliance and Training will have at minimum:

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

· Minimum of 5 years of managerial experience in university financial aid or a financial services environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Juris Doctor degree preferred.

· Prior financial aid experience at a private nonprofit institution.

· Deep understanding of financial aid compliance, regulatory issues, and strategic fund management.

· Proven ability to manage complex compliance environments and collaborate with legal and federal entities.

· Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with an ability to navigate a highly regulated industry.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values , including integrity, excellence, diversity, equity, inclusion, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

The annual base salary range for this position is $97,389.68 - $166,000.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Qualifications · Education: o Bachelor’s degree · Experience: o 5 years · Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities o Managerial experience in university financial aid or financial services industry