Compliance Specialist

Position Summary

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for overseeing and maintaining institutional compliance with all applicable federal, state, and accrediting agency regulations. This role manages regulatory reporting, monitors compliance deadlines, and prepares the institution for audits and reviews from governing agencies.

The Compliance Specialist ensures the institution remains in good standing with agencies including the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Education (Title IV), and other regulatory bodies.

This position offers flexible work arrangements and may be performed on campus, remotely, or in a hybrid format depending on the needs of the institution and the selected candidate.

In addition, this role oversees Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and Veterans Affairs (VA) student accounts to ensure accurate billing, documentation, and agency compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Compliance Oversight

• Serve as the institution’s lead authority for regulatory compliance across all governing agencies.
• Maintain active oversight of institutional compliance with NACCAS, BPPE, Department of Education (Title IV), Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and other applicable regulatory bodies.
• Provide guidance to institutional leadership regarding regulatory updates, compliance risks, and required policy or procedural changes.
• Develop and implement proactive compliance systems to ensure the institution remains audit ready and in good standing with all agencies.
• Coordinate institutional responses to regulatory inquiries, audits, and agency communications.
• Support leadership in maintaining long term regulatory strategy and institutional compliance planning.

Regulatory Compliance & Agency Reporting

• Monitor regulatory requirements and deadlines to ensure all reporting and compliance obligations are completed accurately and on time.
• Prepare and submit required reports including IPEDS, annual reports, and other regulatory submissions.
• Serve as the primary institutional contact for compliance matters related to regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies.
• Track regulatory updates and implement necessary policy or procedural changes to maintain compliance.
• Assist leadership in maintaining institutional readiness for regulatory reviews, site visits, and audits.

Financial Aid Compliance

• Support compliance oversight related to Title IV financial aid regulations.
• Review financial aid verification files to ensure documentation meets federal requirements.
• Maintain and update the institution’s Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Manual as regulations change.
• Assist with compliance monitoring of financial aid processes and institutional policies.

Agency Student Accounts

• Manage Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and Veterans Affairs (VA) student accounts.
• Maintain accurate records and billing documentation for agency funded students.
• Coordinate with external agencies to ensure proper documentation and timely payment.

Auditing & Compliance Monitoring

• Conduct internal compliance reviews of institutional processes, records, and documentation.
• Assist in preparing documentation for external audits and regulatory reviews.
• Identify potential compliance risks and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure institutional policies and procedures align with regulatory requirements.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director to support institutional compliance, accreditation, and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in financial aid administration, compliance, or regulatory oversight in higher education.
• Familiarity with regulatory agencies such as the Department of Education, NACCAS, BPPE, Veterans Affairs, and related oversight bodies.
• Experience with accreditation standards and regulatory reporting is strongly preferred.
• Professional certification in financial aid administration or compliance is a plus.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of federal and state compliance regulations related to postsecondary education.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical abilities.
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills.
• Ability to interpret regulatory guidance and implement policy changes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Adobe PDF.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with institutional leadership and administrative teams.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000