Director, Student Account Collections

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The Director of Student Account Collections oversees the strategy, operations, and performance of the university’s collections efforts related to student tuition, fees, and account receivables. This role ensures the timely, ethical, and effective recovery of outstanding balances while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and delivering a positive student experience. The Director partners with Accounts Receivable, Student Services, Financial Aid, the Registrar, and other departments to ensure alignment, transparency, and institutional support for student financial success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Collection Team responsible for collecting and managing student account balances, payment plans, and default management.

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to improve revenue recovery, reduce delinquency, and support institutional revenue goals.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging reports, identify trends, and recommend solutions for high-risk or chronically delinquent accounts.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, including FERPA, FCRA, FDCPA, Title IV, and other relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid and Student Services to proactively address student financial barriers and risks to persistence.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with third-party collection agencies, loan servicers, and payment processors.
• Develop and deliver timely, actionable reports to senior leadership on collections performance, recovery rates, and financial impact.
• Train and mentor the Collection team to maintain high standards of professionalism, customer service, and compliance.
• Lead initiatives to educate students on financial responsibility, account management, and payment options.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying system and process enhancements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in collections, student accounts, or revenue cycle management, preferably in higher education.
• 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of federal and state collection laws, student financial aid regulations, and Title IV funding.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic, data-informed collection initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Advanced knowledge of student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) and collections tools.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of revenue cycle and cash flow principles.
• Proven ability to direct complex projects with strategic partners.

Must be able to pass a credit check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a private, for-profit, postsecondary institution.
• Familiarity with accreditation, financial aid compliance, and audit requirements.

Benefits:

Academy of Art University offers full-time employees health insurance, 401k options, paid vacation based on years of service (15 days' accrual at start), paid holidays, paid sick leave and a commuter benefit program.  The Academy also offers full-time employees an opportunity to take one undergraduate course tuition free each semester. 

Compensation:

$85,000 to $125,000.00

Based on experience and location.
 

Application Deadline: May 18, 2025

Academy of Art University is based solely in San Francisco, California. This job opportunity may be available for remote work from a predesignated location within the contiguous United States.

Academy of Art University is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will be considered regardless of age, Aids or HIV positive status, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition or genetic characteristics, race or national origin, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender or sexual orientation, name change, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other status protected by federal, state, local or other law. Academy of Art University will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Equal access to the hiring process, services, and employment is available to all persons. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact the Human Resources Department at HR@academyart.edu.