Senior Financial Aid & Regulator… at Nathan Layne… · Pocatello

Senior Financial Aid & Regulatory Compliance Specialist

Location: Idaho, Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello (Hybrid or Remote considered for experienced, self-directed candidates)

Help us get it right—for our students and for our school.

Behind every student launching a career in beauty and wellness is an institution committed to doing things the right way. From Title IV packaging and student counseling to accreditation standards and state reporting, the details directly protect our students' futures and our school's reputation.

We are looking for a seasoned post-secondary financial aid and compliance specialist who bridges the gap between high-level regulatory oversight and hands-on financial aid administration. Working alongside institutional leadership, our Financial Aid team, and our Compliance Director, you will package and disburse aid, guide students and families through complex eligibility rules, lead audit and accreditation readiness, and build scalable internal controls across our growing campuses.

If you understand the why behind federal regulations, enjoy helping students navigate their funding options, and can translate complex rules into practical guidance for campus teams, you will thrive here.

About Nathan Layne Institute

Nathan Layne Institute (formerly Aveda Institute) develops, trains, and coaches students and professionals in beauty and wellness. Led by industry professionals from the owner down, we maintain an open, people-first culture where students are never just a number. As we expand, we are investing in a rock-solid compliance foundation built to support sustainable growth.

What You’ll DoTitle IV Administration & Student Advising

• Package, Award & Disburse Aid: Determine student eligibility across federal, state, and institutional aid programs; generate and distribute award notifications; and ensure funds are accurately disbursed and credited to student accounts.
• Counsel Students & Families: Meet with students and parents to clearly explain financial aid applications, award packages, and the laws governing aid eligibility and availability.
• Administer Appeals: Coordinate, review, and administer financial aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals in strict accordance with federal and institutional guidelines.
• Audit & Monitor Operations: Conduct independent file and process reviews across campuses—covering verification, packaging, disbursements, Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4), SAP, and consumer disclosures—to identify and close compliance gaps.

Regulatory Reporting & External Agencies

• Own Agency Submissions: Retrieve, reconcile, and submit accurate, well-documented reports to the U.S. Department of Education, state licensing boards, accrediting agencies, and independent auditors.
• Manage Federal & Internal Systems: Utilize federal, state, and internal software (including COD, NSLDS, FAFSA processing, and FSA Partner Connect) to process aid and maintain data integrity.
• Track Deadlines & Resolve Discrepancies: Maintain a centralized compliance calendar to ensure zero missed deadlines and investigate data mismatches between institutional records and external agency systems before submission.

Accreditation, Audits & Institutional Readiness

• Lead Audit & Visit Prep: Coordinate documentation, student records, and institutional data for accreditation site visits, federal program reviews, state evaluations, and annual financial/Title IV audits.
• Interpret & Apply Regulations: Translate federal Title IV regulations and Department of Education updates into clear institutional policies, school catalogs, enrollment agreements, and daily campus guidance.
• Drive Corrective Action: Draft responses to agency inquiries or audit findings and manage corrective action plans through verified completion.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Standardize Across Campuses: Build consistent recordkeeping practices, reconciliation workflows, and internal controls across all locations.
• Train & Advise: Author standard operating procedures (SOPs) and reference guides, serving as the go-to regulatory resource and trainer for campus leaders and financial aid staff—plus taking on additional strategic projects as needed.

What We’re Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in post-secondary financial aid administration, institutional compliance, or a closely related regulatory role.
• End-to-end Title IV fluency: Proven hands-on experience determining eligibility, packaging, awarding, and disbursing funds, as well as managing verification, R2T4, SAP, and financial aid appeals.
• Audit & reporting track record: Experience compiling regulatory reports and supporting federal audits, program reviews, state reviews, or accreditation visits.
• Data reconciliation skills: Strong analytical ability to extract, cross-check, and validate data across federal, state, and internal financial aid systems with exceptional attention to detail.
• Empathetic, clear communicator: Ability to counsel students and parents through sensitive financial topics while translating dense regulatory language into actionable steps for campus staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with accrediting agency standards (e.g., NACCAS or similar career-school accreditors), annual reports, substantive changes, and site visits.
• Background in proprietary career schools, vocational institutions, or multi-campus environments.
• Proficiency with FAME (or comparable student information/financial aid management systems) alongside COD, NSLDS, and FSA Partner Connect.
• Experience designing internal controls, compliance calendars, and staff training programs from the ground up.

Our Culture & Core Values

Our core values aren't words on a wall; they're how we win. They shape every decision we make, every interaction we have, and every experience we create.

PROFESSIONALISM is nailing our work with style and respect by treating folks right and sticking to our word. We show integrity by doing what we say we will do—no room for office soap operas or Eeyores.

ALWAYS LEARNING is the sugar in our coffee, whether it's picking up new skills or sharpening them, both at work and at home. We grow as a team so we can win as a team.

COLLABORATIONis teamwork on steroids. We share the workload and work through our differences to get us over the finish line. We check our egos at the door - no room for office politics, entitlement, or scarcity thinking.

STRONG WORK ETHIC means we dive in headfirst, with our eyes on the prize. We show up and make sure we deliver the goods. We're not about slacking off or being late to the game.

Lastly, we are PEOPLE FIRST. When we put people first, the rest falls into place. No matter how busy it gets or how high the stakes feel, we lead with heart. When people feel seen and valued, they show up, speak up, and bring their best. People First teams are more resilient, innovative, and enjoyable to be part of. Around here, people aren't just part of the process- they are the point.

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pocatello, ID 83202