Director Of Program Operations (ACPE)

Do you want to help more students access higher education through efficient, impactful operations?

Are you skilled at improving systems and leading teams to deliver excellent service?

Can you turn big ideas into real results that make programs fair, effective, and sustainable?

Are you ready to lead change that strengthens trust and equity in student lending?

If so, you are encouraged to join the Program Operations team at the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education!

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is recruiting for a

Director of Program Operations

to join our leadership team in Juneau. The Director of Program Operations serves as ACPE’s Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for the administration and oversight of Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education and Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) financial aid programs, including loan, scholarship and grant origination and servicing, contractor oversight and monitoring, compliance, and research and analysis. This position also manages special projects and strategic initiatives, and may act on behalf of the Executive Director in their absence.

WORKING CONDITIONS; WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

Subject to HR and division approval, we offer hybrid telework options once employees have completed the required probationary period.

ACPE’s Juneau office is located in the Vintage Business Park area of Mendenhall Valley, conveniently close to the bus line, with ample parking available. Standard work hours and work location are outlined in the ACPE Telework Agreement. Based on business needs, this position may occasionally require alternate workdays and/or reporting to the main workplace on an otherwise scheduled telework day.

The position may also require periodic overnight travel, both in- and out-of-state, to represent ACPE in meetings, conferences, and collaborative initiatives.

Positions with the Commission are eligible for all State of Alaska health care, leave, and retirement benefits. For more information about ACPE, our mission, and our services, please visit our website at:

www.acpe.alaska.gov

The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional leadership and strategic management capabilities, possesses a strong understanding of financial aid operations and compliance, and is committed to advancing ACPE’s mission of providing sustainable solutions for college, career, and technical training.

They will actively support and model ACPE’s values:

Service, Innovation, Empowerment, Quality, and Accountability

.

The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Extensive knowledge of statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing federal and state financial aid programs

Experience developing, interpreting, and implementing complex laws and regulations

Proven leadership in managing large, multi-functional teams and complex financial operations

Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including representing the agency in public forums

Experience with electronic loan servicing and financial management systems

Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders in a highly regulated environment

Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information and decision-making

Program Operations Leadership

Oversee administration of ACPE and ASLC financial aid programs (grants, scholarships, and loans); school compliance; research and analysis; and special projects and programs

Ensure appropriate standards of management and compliance oversight of program operations and activities

Develop, deploy, and monitor program goals and strategies to ensure program effectiveness and efficiency; develop tools to measure program success

Ensure division activities comply with federal and state laws and all applicable program requirements

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Perform strategic and day-to-day problem resolution

Act as functional and security owner of application processing and servicing systems

Recommend changes to regulation and policy as needed; implement approved changes

Interpret and apply laws, regulations, sub-regulatory guidance, and procedures; recommend modifications to statutes, regulations, and policies as appropriate

Division Management and Staff Leadership

Lead the agency’s Program Operations Division

Set Division goals; develop and implement strategic plans and associated budgets to meet goals and maintain accountability to stakeholders

Select, train, supervise, and evaluate Division management staff and other assigned staff positions

Collaborate with senior managers and external partners to access essential resources (IT, financial, legal, and related expertise)

Resolve internal and external conflicts

Ensure that all Division communications with customers, partners, and constituents are consistent, accurate, efficient, effective, and professional

Develop management reports summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating Division activity for internal and external performance review and benchmarking

Develop and manage the division budget

Represent the Division in public forums

Lead the Operations’ Divisional management team, and serve on the agency’s extended management team and relevant ad hoc committees

Strategic Initiatives and Agency-Level Leadership

Lead strategic operational and agency initiatives

Develop and chair project committees as needed

Serve as liaison with other divisions, organizations, and states

Analyze strategic issues, propose solutions, and lead implementation

Coordinate Division activities with other senior managers and ensure appropriate documentation of Division work

Participate in setting agency goals and objectives and monitoring agency effectiveness and efficiency

Participate in allocating agency budget and human resources to agency programs and services

Determine when matters require executive director review and elevate appropriately

Perform special projects or research as assigned by the executive director