Financial Aid Customer Service Specialist (part-time)

Cornell College invites applications for a part-time financial aid customer service specialist. The specialist provides support to prospective and current students, families, and campus stakeholders throughout the financial aid process. This position counsels students on financial aid eligibility and application requirements, assists with completing and reviewing financial aid documentation, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

The hours for the position may be between 8 am and 1 pm M-F, with some flexibility. The position is scheduled for 20 hours per week. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Counsel prospective students, continuing students, parents, and families regarding the financial aid application process and aid eligibility.
• Assist students with the completion of all necessary documentation/processes
• Analyze documentation being turned in by students to ensure it is accurate and complete
• Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and walk-ins
• Assist with the coordination of the college student employment program
• Import files from the Department of Education daily
• Process outside scholarships
• Run enrollment tracking reports
• Stay up to date with the latest Financial Aid upgrades, terms, and conditions to be prepared for the annual Financial Aid workshops offered by our Institution to our community
• Adhere to FERPA regulations as they pertain to maintaining the security and confidentiality of all student records, we well as maintain the confidentiality of other documents on behalf of the financial aid office and the college.
• Responsible for other reasonable, related duties assigned

About Cornell College 

Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our Ingenuity curriculum that builds on the strengths of our One Course At A Time schedule. This combination encourages the qualities of being thoughtful, original, and inventive, using the strengths of a liberal arts education to apply ideas to solve problems and meet challenges through hands-on experience in learning. Academic immersion, Division III NCAA athletic teams, and unparalleled flexibility attract an ambitious student body from across the U.S. and worldwide. We are located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, an urban fringe community located in the heart of the ICR Iowa region.

Preferred Skills

• Attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent customer service and computer skills
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to academic excellence, exceptional service, and providing a dynamic climate for lifelong learning
• Ability to perform detailed work rapidly and accurately

• Ability to plan, schedule, and manage projects and assignments

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in a demanding work environment

Work Relationships

Reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid. Daily contact with students, parents and faculty/staff.

 Qualifications and Education Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.

Prior customer service experience is necessary.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily while seated in an office environment. All requirements are subject to change over time, with possible modifications made to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability. 

The hiring pay range for this position is $17-$19 per hour. Cornell College offers a fantastic benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, HSA & FSA accounts, a TIAA 403(b) retirement account, and tuition remission and exchange for employees and dependents. We also offer life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance. And, all full-time staff begin with a 4-week vacation accrual along with 14.5 paid holidays in a year. 

Application Process 

The position will remain open until filled. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information of three references through Cornell's online application system. 

Cornell is an AA/EO employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. Cornell complies with Iowa's Smoke Free Air Act. Cornell utilizes E-Verify and requires satisfactory completion of a background check.