Financial Aid Specialist

Position Details

Position Information

NBAPOSN Title Working Title Financial Aid Specialist I, Rev. 5/11/2026 Brief Position Overview

The Office of Financial Aid at Montana State University-Northern (MSUN) is seeking applications for a Financial Aid Specialist I position.

Position Number 7N0001 Department Financial Aid Division Student Success Division Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation AFSCME FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Yes Compensation Hourly Salary $16.342-20.177 per hour Contract Type Classified Hourly If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The major purpose of this position is to provide guidance to prospective and current financial aid applicants in order to help them understand aid differences and requirements and also determine the best type(s) of aid available to them. Must be able to interpret university, state and federal rules and regulations. This position also provides guidance to prospective and current students on basic financial literacy concepts. Additionally, some data input and other tasks as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing guidance to prospective and current students in order to help them understand aid differences and requirements; basic financial literacy concepts and provides technical support/assistance with the FAFSA applications including other necessary documentation that may be required.
• Serves as Client/Outside Agency Liaison meeting and counseling with prospective students providing information on Financial Aid procedures. Responsible for Campus Visits to students, parents, and school groups.
• Be familiarized and utilize the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS) to advise students about their current loan debt. Provide Entrance and Exit Counseling to loan borrowers. Prepare exit packets to all withdrawing students (official and unofficial withdrawals), low enrollment, and graduating students.
• Participates in New Student Orientation and Registration Day providing incoming freshman with the important and appropriate information for each student notifying them of missing requirements and offer letter information.
• Participates and assists in coordination of the New/Continuing Student Scholarship application process and the Scholarship Ceremony.
• Record and input scholarships on student's accounts as well as other data input as needed for the office. Process financial aid forms and assist in the offer letter process. Ensure scholarship eligibility for the Merit Scholarship and Chancellor Scholarship as well as other MSUN Scholarships.
• Maintain and manage Financial Aid Live Support Chat, Financial Aid webpage, forms and publications such as Consumer Information for prospective and current students. Answer phones, order supplies for the office and backup the front desk duties as needed.
• Responsible for providing support on procedures and processes for Specialist II as needed.

List any secondary duties assigned to this position:

1. Contribute to general customer service in Student Central

2. Serve on university committees as appropriate.

3. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Associate Degree in Business, Education, or related field; OR significant work experience in customer relations, in business, in finance or banking, or in higher education offices.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated experience working with students in an education setting.
• Demonstrated financial literacy skills (budgeting, career earnings, loans).
• Demonstrated experience working in higher education.
• Computer experience including Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated experience in handling sensitive and confidential situations and information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal with a variety of ages and backgrounds.
• Someone who can process and learn information in a timely manner
• Motivated and attention to detail.

Special Requirements Physical Demands

• Ability to work with or without reasonable accommodations in a typical office environment
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 2600020P Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Immediate Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Until an adequate pool is established No Special Instructions Summary

In your application and required documents, DO NOT include personal protected information such as date of birth, citizenship status or immigration information, social security number, or any other protected information.

Applicants must upload the following with their application:

1. A cover letter which addresses how you meet the required and preferred qualifications,

your career goals, and your interest in the position.

2. A resume.

3. A list of three professional references.

Complete and sign the Authorization Form for Background Check

Access the form here: https://www.msun.edu/hr/forms/Authorization_for_Background_Investigation-MSU-Northern.pdf

In the online application in the Background Check field, type YES to show you understand this additional requirement.

Submit your completed and signed form to:

Human Resources

Montana State University-Northern

P.O. Box 7751

Havre, MT 59501-7751

406-265-3568 or 406-265-3789

HR Dept. Fax 406-265-3530

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.msun.edu/postings/2662 EEOC Statement

Montana State University-Northern (MSUN) is an equal opportunity employer. MSUN does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSUN provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Director of Human Resources /Title IX

Montana State University-Northern

300 11th Street West

Havre, MT 59501

E-mail: rebecca.farr@msun.edu

Location: 208 Cowan Hall

Tel: (406) 265.3568