Associate Director of Affordability & Cost Transparency

Hiring Department: Financial Aid & Scholarships | Reports to: Sr. Director of Student Aid Administration | Location: El Paso, Texas (On Site) | FLSA status: Exempt

About the Role

The Associate Director of Affordability and Cost Transparency provides strategic leadership in advancing college affordability initiatives and administering student loan and alternative financing programs. This role drives data-informed policy development, enhances financial wellness efforts, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The position collaborates across divisions to support student success through transparent, accessible, and sustainable financial aid practices.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development
  • Partner with the Director to develop and execute short- and long-range strategies focused on affordability, cost transparency, and student success.
  • Lead the continuous refinement of affordability models using institutional, academic, and socioeconomic data to inform policy, identify gaps, and guide decision-making.
  • Assess the effectiveness of student aid programs and recommend enhancements aligned with institutional priorities.
• Financial Aid & Loan Administration
  • Oversee the administration of federal, state, institutional, and alternative student loan programs, including eligibility determination, certification, disbursement, and reconciliation.
  • Ensure accurate delivery of aid and compliance with Title IV and applicable regulations across all funding sources.
  • Provide counseling for responsible borrowing throughout degree plans.
  • Lead end-to-end processes for alternative loan programs and serve as the primary liaison to lenders and servicers.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
  • Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
  • Monitor regulatory changes and advise leadership on potential impacts, risks, and required adjustments.
  • Support audits, reporting, and institutional compliance efforts related to student aid programs.
• Financial Wellness & Student Engagement
  • Advance financial literacy and default prevention initiatives through coordinated outreach, education, and resource development.
  • Collaborate with campus partners to deliver workshops, campaigns, and materials promoting informed borrowing and financial decision-making.
  • Provide guidance to students and families on financial aid processes, eligibility, and financing options.
• Collaboration & Partnerships
  • Serve as a key liaison across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Business Affairs, and external agencies to support integrated student services.
  • Partner with institutional stakeholders to align messaging, outreach, and program delivery with affordability and compliance goals.
  • Represent the department with state agencies, including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and other external partners.
• Operations, Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Collaborate with systems and operations teams to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and functionality of financial aid processes and technologies.
  • Utilize qualitative and quantitative data to improve service delivery, communication strategies, and program outcomes.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Provide mentorship, training, and subject-matter guidance to staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
  • Support workflow management, project execution, and policy implementation across the department.
• Student Service & Issue Resolution
  • Ensure high-quality, student-centered service by addressing complex inquiries, resolving discrepancies, and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Interpret and communicate financial aid policies and procedures clearly to diverse audiences.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Participate in professional development, committees, and industry engagement to remain current on regulatory and best practice trends.
  • Comply with all Federal, State, and University policies.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Education, Social Sciences, or related field.
  • Five (5) years of relevant experience in financial aid or related field; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in related field.
  • 6+ years experience in financial aid administration.
  • Banner experience.
  • Bilingual in Spanish.
  • Experience with COD, NSLDS, FAFSA systems.

Skills

• Knowledge of Title IV regulations and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of student loan programs and eligibility.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to student-centered service and confidentiality.

About the University

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve. UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 26,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription, Life Insurance, and Wellness platform
• Voluntary Benefits: Dental, Vision, Additional life insurance, UT Flex, Short and Long-term disability plans
• Retirement Programs
• Longevity Pay
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Discounts & Perks
• Employee Education Assistance program

Pay

$61,000 Annually

Schedule

• 40 hours per week, standard Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
• Flexibility is required on evenings and weekends.