Financial Aid Manager, Operations and Compliance

Location: Onsite, Chicago, IL Employment Type: Full-Time Annual Compensation: $60,000 – 65,000

The compensation above is the estimated hiring range for this position. Final offers are determined based on a variety of factors, including skills, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other job-related considerations.

To access a list of benefits for full-time jobs, please visit https://www.moodybible.org/careers/benefits/

Make a Difference Where Every Moment Matters

We are seeking a mission-driven and detail-oriented Financial Aid Manager, Operations & Compliance to lead the daily operations of our Financial Aid Office and ensure compliance with federal, state, veterans, and institutional financial aid regulations. This role provides leadership to the financial aid counseling team, oversees critical operational processes, and serves as the primary resource for regulatory compliance and audit readiness.

As a key member of the Student Financial Services team, you will help create an exceptional student experience by ensuring accurate aid administration, fostering a culture of accountability and service, and supporting students and families through every stage of the financial aid process.

About Us

Moody Bible Institute is a Christ-centered higher education and media ministry dedicated to equipping people with the truth of God's Word. Through trusted biblical teaching, media, and educational resources, Moody reaches audiences around the world with the gospel and seeks to make a lasting Kingdom impact.

The Opportunity

The Financial Aid Manager, Operations & Compliance, serves as the operational leader of the Financial Aid Office, overseeing staff development, service delivery, financial aid processing, regulatory compliance, and audit coordination. This position plays a critical role in ensuring institutional compliance with Title IV, state, veterans, and institutional aid requirements while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with deep financial aid expertise, strong analytical and organizational skills, and a commitment to serving students with professionalism, integrity, and care.

What You’ll Be Doing

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop the financial aid counseling team, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, timekeeping, and performance management.
• Deliver ongoing staff training related to financial aid regulations, policies, procedures, and systems.
• Establish and monitor service standards, turnaround times, and performance expectations.
• Review counselor work for accuracy and identify opportunities for training and process improvements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, responsiveness, and student-centered service.

Financial Aid Operations

• Lead the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, including awarding, packaging, and disbursement activities.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for student and family concerns, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Review and approve verification files, conflicting information resolutions, SAP appeals, scholarship appeals, and related aid determinations.
• Evaluate Professional Judgment requests, including special and unusual circumstances, in accordance with institutional policy and federal regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and improve financial aid policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, Academic Records, Finance, Stewardship, and other campus partners to ensure seamless student support.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Serve as the lead compliance resource for Title IV, state aid programs, veterans educational benefits, and institutional aid programs.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement required updates to policies, processes, and systems.
• Maintain and manage a comprehensive compliance calendar, ensuring all reporting, reconciliation, and audit deadlines are met.
• Oversee Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculations and related compliance requirements.
• Coordinate financial aid audits, program reviews, and compliance examinations, including corrective action plans when necessary.
• Manage federal and state reporting and reconciliation processes, including enrollment reporting and COD reconciliation.
• Support administration of VA educational benefits programs and serve as backup School Certifying Official.
• Ensure consumer information disclosures and required student notifications remain current and compliant.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of student records in accordance with FERPA and applicable regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years of financial aid administration experience.
• At least two years of supervisory, leadership, or team lead experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Title IV regulations, including: Verification, Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Professional Judgment processes
• Demonstrated experience coaching, training, and developing staff.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with a proven ability to meet regulatory deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and enterprise software systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
• Commitment to student success, collaboration, and exceptional customer service.
• Authorized to legally work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten or more years of financial aid administration experience.
• Experience managing financial aid audits, compliance reviews, or program reviews.
• Experience serving as a VA School Certifying Official.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions.
• NASFAA credentials or equivalent professional development and certification.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment and regularly utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related technology.

Physical requirements include frequent computer use, communication with students and colleagues, and the ability to occasionally stand, walk, reach, and perform routine office tasks.

Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• On-site five days per week during the academic year
• Additional hours may be required during peak processing periods and regulatory reporting cycles

Travel

Occasional travel may be required for professional development, conferences, training, or compliance-related activities, generally one to two times annually.

Additional Information

• Candidates must demonstrate alignment with Moody Bible Institute's mission, doctrinal beliefs, and Christian values.
• Employees are required to affirm Moody's Statement of Faith and adhere to Community Standards.
• Moody Bible Institute values diversity and seeks team members who engage others in ways that honor its biblical foundation.
• Moody complies with applicable nondiscrimination laws and, as a religious institution, requires employees to hold beliefs consistent with its Doctrinal Statement and Community Standards.

Why Join Us

At Moody, your work directly impacts students pursuing God's calling on their lives. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to combine professional expertise with meaningful ministry, serving in a collaborative environment that values faith, excellence, integrity, and continuous growth. You'll work alongside dedicated colleagues who are passionate about equipping the next generation of Christian leaders while making a lasting Kingdom impact.

If you're ready to use your financial aid expertise to serve students and support a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply today.