Financial Aid Specialist II

Position Information

NBAPOSN Title Working Title Financial Aid Specialist II Brief Position Overview

This position's primary areas of focus:

• To serve as the primary financial aid representative at the University campus or at the City College campus. This position requires exemplary customer service skills, a willingness to listen carefully, above average written and verbal communication skills, the ability to understand complex institutional processes (financial aid, admissions and advising), and be able to work well under pressure.
• To support prospective and continuing students by reviewing and evaluating financial aid eligibility; providing efficient and timely delivery of accurate information, services and funding to all students; and ensuring the quality control, application tracking and verification of student files.
• To serve as the liaison for the financial aid office and other campus partners, which requires the individual to maintain working relationship with students, staff and faculty. Additionally, this role may provide financial literacy services aimed at educating students and the campus community about healthy financial practices, student loan debt management, repayment options and cohort default rates.

Position Number Department Financial Aid & Scholarships Division Student Access and Success Appointment Type Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Yes Compensation Bi-Weekly Salary Salary range of $16.76 to $20.95 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Hourly If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

Montana State University Billings is a preferred employer in the region-WE WANT YOU!

The following are reasons why you should join our team:

• Work-life balance

• Holidays-10 paid holidays per year and 1 Floating Holiday

• Vacation- 15 days per year (New Employees to 10 years; after 10 years the accrual rate increases)

• Sick Leave - Earned at an accrual rate of .0416125 for each hour in pay status.

• Employee and Dependent Tuition Waiver

• Opportunities to engage in professional development opportunities

• Committed to employee wellness and access to a robust Employee Assistance Program

• Medical Benefits that are robust and affordable

• Visit MUS Benefits to learn more about our benefit package including:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental

• Life Insurance and Long Term Disability are incorporated into our benefits.

• Learn more about our retirement benefits at MUS Retirement.

• Opportunities for career growth and a variety of career paths

• Campus vibrancy- coffee shops, FREE attendance to MSUB concerts, athletic events, and lectures, access to recreation center, library, etc.

• Beautiful campus environment that features our MSUB Mile walking path

Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Service:

• Assists with the administration of assigned financial aid programs and processes.
• May post awards to student accounts, track those awards for accuracy and correct over-award status when needed.
• Assists with the review of documentation for accuracy and contacts students, if necessary, to obtain corrections or additional documentation.
• Maintains a good understanding of program regulations and the overall operation of the Financial Aid Office in order to ensure internal compliance with federal and state rules and regulations.
• May assist in notifying students of their failure to meet academic progress and the impact to eligibility for financial aid programs.
• Analyze client requests to determine the appropriate form, application, or documentation to be provided based on customers' request and circumstances involved.
• Assists the supervisor in gathering data for the completion of reports as required.
• Performs other site and position specific responsibilities as assigned.
• Available for University campus and City College events such as orientation, new student registration and occasionally for evening hours.

Document Processing and Communication:

• Review all applications, forms, and documents received for accuracy, completion, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines and refers specialized questions/concerns to appropriate office/staff member in Financial Aid or at City College.
• Track student, staff or faculty requests and prepare written correspondence including preparing packets of material based on those requests.
• Generate emails, paper letters, or ROAMESG notifications to students regarding missing information, awards, revisions, SAP, etc.
• Provide financial aid and literacy counseling in person, by phone, and email for students, parents, and departments on campus.
• Data-entry within Banner system
• Work closely with other Financial Aid staff, Enrollment Management teams and faculty.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

QUALITIES:

• Strong commitment to student success with excellent customer service and active listening skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and group presentation skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and packaging principles.
• Thorough understanding of financial aid eligibility, verification requirements, and FERPA regulations.
• Ability to accurately analyze and interpret data within Banner and related university systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, calculations, and document review.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, internet resources, and other technology tools.
• Knowledge of personal finance topics, including budgeting, borrowing, debt management, and repayment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with university programs, services, and community resources, with the ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse populations.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related discipline or any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Education Preferred:

• Master's degree in Business, finance, economics, or related field

Experience Preferred:

• one to three years of financial aid office experience

The Successful Candidate Will Special Requirements Physical Demands This position has supervisory duties?

Posting Detail Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 2700007P Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 09/01/2026 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date 08/06/2026 Close Date 08/31/2026 Open until filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Applicants will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis after the screening date. The screening date begins 10 calendar days after a position is posted on the employment website.

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://employment.msubillings.edu/postings/7781 Diversity Statement

Montana State University Billings is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.

Montana State University Billings makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU Billings provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference or request accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, Montana State University Billings, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101-0298, 406-657-2278, employment@msubillings.edu.

MSU Billings Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Billings Website: http://www.msubillings.edu/humres/eeos.htm