Salary: $4,686.75 - $5,043.75 Biweekly
Location : Juneau, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 54496
Department: Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
Division: Program Operations
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: Exempt
Range: 25
Job Description
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:
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
Minimum Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college (business administration, accounting, or finance preferred);
AND
- Five years of broad mid- to upper-management experience in a financial field. Proven leadership record in loan management, electronic commerce, or large customer service administration is required.
Substitution:
Additional postsecondary education may be substituted for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis, for up to two years.
Preference will be given to applicants with management experience in consumer, educational, or federal student lending programs.
Additional Required Information
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required for this position. Your application package will be reviewed to determine if you possess the experience and strengths that ACPE is seeking for this position. The cover letter will be considered a writing sample and will be used, along with the application, to determine if an applicant is qualified for this position and which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
In your cover letter, please describe your knowledge, skills, and experience as they pertain to this position. Your description should include your professional experience relevant to the position, including detailed job descriptions, your role and responsibilities, and the length of time you performed those responsibilities. If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment and whether full or part-time.
EDUCATION
If postsecondary education is being used to meet minimum qualifications, you must complete the Education and Training section of the application and attach your transcripts to your application. If you have not obtained a degree, indicate the number of credit hours earned in the "Degrees Obtained" field.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university.
It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
INTERVIEW
Applicants invited for an interview will be required to provide the following at time of interview:
- List of three (3) professional references including current daytime phone numbers.
- Copies of your two (2) most recent performance evaluations. Letters of reference may be substituted for evaluations.
THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY
This recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants must meet to be considered for employment at this time.
Special Notice: Please Read Carefully
An applicant's response to the minimum qualification question must be supported by the job application.
This position is established as an exempt position, range 25. It is not covered by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement; therefore, ACPE may fill this position as soon as a qualified applicant is identified.
While ACPE operates within the Department of Education and Early Development for administrative purposes, the Commission and its staff are not subject to the direction of the Commissioner of Education and Early Development nor the State Board of Education.
Applicants with any ACPE educational loans must be current in payments to be considered. A routine background check will be conducted for applicants interviewed and under serious consideration.
EEO Statement
The State of Alaska complies with Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or 907-465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal-opportunity employer.
Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to State of Alaska employees. Actual benefits may vary based on bargaining unit, position type, and full- or part-time status. For a detailed overview of insurance, health, and retirement benefits, visit the Division of Retirement and Benefits website.
Insurance Benefits
• Health insurance (medical/vision/dental), with employer contributions
• Employer-paid Basic Life Insurance (additional optional coverage may be available)
• Optional group insurance programs, including long-term/short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, long-term care, and supplemental survivor benefits
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
• Membership in PERS or TRS
• Employer contributions to defined contribution or defined benefit plans, depending on hire date
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity in lieu of Social Security
• Optional enrollment in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
Paid Leave and Other Benefits
• Personal leave accrual, with increases based on time served
• Twelve paid holidays per year
Contact Information
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
For questions regarding application submission or system errors, contact the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 in the Juneau. Email inquiries may be sent to
For applicant password assistance please visit: Or call: 855-524-5627
For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following:
Kerry Thomas, Executive Director
Katrina Skidmore, Administrative Assistance
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes
typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefi 
