Associate Director, Graduate and Professional Financial Aid Compliance and Oversight

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

Duke Financial Aid is seeking an experienced and strategic Associate Director, Graduate and Professional Financial Aid Compliance and Oversight to lead compliance oversight and continuous improvement efforts across Duke's graduate and professional schools. In this role, you will serve as the University's primary compliance resource for graduate and professional financial aid, helping ensure institutional practices remain compliant, consistent, and effective in a complex and evolving regulatory environment.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, Compliance, and Audits within Central Financial Aid , you will work collaboratively across Duke's eight graduate and professional schools to monitor regulatory requirements, assess operational practices, identify areas of risk or opportunity, and lead compliance-focused improvements. You will have the autonomy to proactively identify gaps, develop solutions, and guide implementation-while also building strong, trusted partnerships with school-based financial aid teams.

This role is ideal for a highly self-directed financial aid professional who combines deep regulatory expertise with strong project management, training, and relationship-building skills . Through audits, assessments, training, and cross-school collaboration, your work will directly support Duke's ability to deliver high-quality, compliant financial aid services to graduate and professional students.

Minimum Requirements

• Work requires knowledge and skills generally acquired through completion of a Bachelor's degree program.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in financial aid with demonstrated compliance and leadership expertise.
• Demonstrated experience working with Title IV regulations and compliance requirements impacting graduate and professional programs.
• Experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders, offices, or academic units.
• Ability to work independently, identify compliance risks, and lead implementation efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• NASFAA Financial Aid Administrator Certification (FAAC).
• Experience supporting or overseeing graduate and professional school financial aid operations .
• Experience managing projects that span multiple schools or organizational units.
• Strong written communication skills, including development of audit findings, guidance, and training materials.

Other Requirements

• Ability to analyze complex regulations and translate them into practical guidance.
• Comfort providing corrective feedback and compliance direction in a collaborative manner.
• This position is expected to work closely with school-based financial aid offices and central compliance partners.

Be Bold.

• Provide compliance oversight and regulatory guidance for federal, state, and institutional financial aid requirements impacting Duke's graduate and professional programs, including ongoing interpretation of Title IV regulations.
• Conduct audits, assessments, and quality assurance reviews of financial aid processes across graduate and professional schools, identifying compliance risks, inconsistencies, and operational inefficiencies.
• Develop written findings and actionable recommendations to strengthen compliance, improve documentation, and promote consistent practices across schools.
• Lead cross-school initiatives and implementation efforts that improve compliance, operational effectiveness, and alignment with regulatory expectations while accommodating school-specific needs.
• Develop and deliver training and resources to support consistent understanding and application of financial aid regulations, policy updates, and best practices.
• Serve as a resource by providing backup support as necessary for schools serviced by only one aid administrator to provide continuity through periods of transition and/or high volume.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is one of the world's leading research institutions, known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service. Within Central Financial Aid, you will be part of a collaborative team that values integrity, continuous improvement, and student-centered service. This role offers the opportunity to make a university-wide impact , strengthening financial aid processes that directly support graduate and professional students across Duke's diverse academic landscape.

At Duke, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals who value collaboration and shared accountability while also respecting the distinct needs of each school. You'll have the opportunity to influence policy, shape compliance strategy, and help ensure Duke remains responsive and adaptable in an evolving regulatory environment.

Job Code: 00002147 ASSOC DIR, GRAD & PROFESSIONAL, FIN AID

Job Level: 15

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $66,842.00to USD $122,978.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at:

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: View email address on click.appcast.io; phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io).

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