Financial Aid Processing Specialist

SUMMARY

In support of the university's mission and objectives, the Financial Aid Processing Specialist assists students and their families throughout the students' lifecycle. This position provides guidance and answers questions related to student scholarships, grants, loans, financial aid applications, verification documents, and aid appeals. This role delivers student-centered personal care to the campus community while executing detailed work responsibilities.

Financial Aid Advising

• Provides expert counseling and guidance to students and families on financial aid programs, application procedures, and eligibility criteria.
• Conducts one-on-one advising sessions to address individual financial circumstances and assist in developing comprehensive financial plan for student account management.
• Serves as a central liaison with undergraduate and graduate admissions offices for the administration of recruitment, housing and residential life, scholarships, student employment, payment plans and other financial matters.
• Applies high levels of discretion and discernment when capturing student details and issuing alerts through Navigate360.
• Communicates directly with academic units regarding registration issues for students requesting financial aid.
• Conducts financial aid presentations and workshops for prospective and current students. Workshops may be held locally, virtually, or off-campus evenings and weekends.
• Cultivates financial literacy by enhancing students' understanding of budgeting, loan management, and financial responsibility.
• Responds promptly to inquiries from students, parents, and colleagues regarding financial aid matters.
• Manages telephone, in-person walk-in appointments, and email workflow.
• Fosters a positive and supportive environment by actively listening to concerns and providing clear and empathetic communication.

Award Administration

• Determines financial aid eligibility and applies aid as directed in accordance with university policies and federal regulations.
• Monitors and disburses all financial aid awards, including Title IV funding, internal and external scholarships, grant programs, and private loans.
• Accesses federal, state and/or private platforms to review and report student information.
• Conducts regular data audits to identify anomalies, prevent over awards, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Validates monthly and annually all financial aid award information with the Business Office.
• Posts Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) and Institutional Student Information Record (NSLDS) post screening daily.
• Processes Federal Aid, State Aid, Outside Scholarships, Institutional Scholarships and Grants.
• Manages Federal Student Aid originations and corrections of Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) rejects.
• Attains, stays informed, and continuously demonstrates expert knowledge of financial aid regulations and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Exercises professional judgment in accordance with established policies, regulations, and financial aid best practices.

Collaboration

• Coordinates and collaborates with university departments, including Admissions, Student Accounts, and the Registrar's office, Student Success, Graduate and Online Enrollment, etc. to ensure a seamless student experience

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in finance, business, mathematics education, or related field required; a minor in communications or education preferred. Professional NASFAA Credentials preferred.

EXPERIENCE

2+ years of experience in financial aid in the higher education setting required. Demonstrated proficiency in financial aid procedures, regulations, and practices required.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Customer Service Orientation - Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff, and community partners in mind at all times.
• Professionalism - Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g., timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
• Christ-first Faith - Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
• Adaptable/Flexibility - Ability to change or adjust to change.
• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making - Identifies and understands trends and/or issues, connects data points through analysis and logical conclusions/actionable strategies.
• Attention to Detail - Ability to efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks. Reviews details with a critical eye.
• Business & Financial/Budget Acumen - Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of financial concepts, accounting, marketing, and organizational functions.
• Confidentiality - Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
• Conflict Management - Functions professionally and wisely during difficult conversations, while under stress, and while managing challenging situations.
• Develops Others - Ability to promote continuous improvement within teams and/or individuals.
• Effective Communication - Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
• Establishes Trust - Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
• Problem-solving - Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
• Project and Time Management - Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Teamwork & Collaboration - Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally.
• Technology - Strong aptitude to learn new technologies as department processes evolve.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.