Description

Provide information and counsel to prospective and current graduate students. This role is instrumental in the recruitment of prospective graduate students. Determine eligibility for and award financial aid in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional legislation, regulations, and policies. Manage programs and special projects as assigned by department leadership. Assist with communication, technology and reporting. Serves as back-up to the Director of Graduate Financial Aid.

Manage all aspects of a graduate student caseload including file review and application processing, verification, and awarding in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Counsel prospective and enrolled graduate students and community members on all aspects of financial aid including eligibility, application procedures, charges, loan processing, return of funds, satisfactory academic progress, and information resources. Ensure an outstanding customer experience. Respond to prospective and enrolled graduate student inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally. Facilitate graduate student aid issue resolution (e.g. student loan rejects at COD, ATB, loan default, and citizenship).

Manage Title IV awarding, including Federal Direct Loans and TEACH Grant, in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy. Ensure compliance with Title IV regulations, including maintenance of accurate records for audits and program reviews. Manage Common Origination & Disbursement and National Student Loan Data System for program reporting. Conduct periodic internal review of system records to ensure program integrity. Assist with reconciling Title IV programs. Provide outreach and resources to students related to financial literacy and federal aid programs.

Provide direct support to Director of Graduate Financial Aid. Responsibilities include assisting with report creation, communication management, troubleshooting, and offering technical assistance to the Director as needed. Develop and implement communication strategies for the Graduate Financial Aid unit. Serve as a liaison to key university offices to support integrated service delivery. Perform data analysis including the ability to create charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and reports and make recommendations for improvement. Assist in the management of technology and resources to streamline and improve processes, reporting, and service to students. Assist in developing and implementing plans and goals for the department. Ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies.

Manage special projects or programs vital to the administration of financial aid. Assume leadership and support various office programs and assignments including, but not limited to, recruiting special populations, managing satisfactory academic progress, monitoring federal aid eligibility, etc. Participate in the recruitment of prospective graduate students and in programs focused on retention and customer satisfaction. Provide financial aid presentations to both prospective and enrolled graduate students. Participate in University-sponsored recruitment events, orientation, and university presentations.

Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include participation in required training for role.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience with financial aid or similarly related experience. Closely related experience could include career counseling, non-profit roles involving financial assistance, higher education administration, admissions, and/or student affairs support services.

Ability to understand, interpret, and synthesize information from students to effectively counsel.

Ability to diffuse difficult and emotional situations.

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines.

Working knowledge of state program rules and regulations as they pertain to financial aid.Working knowledge of Title IV rules and regulations as they pertain to Federal Student Financial Aid.

Working knowledge of and abides by the regulations of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills.

Experience with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, Colleague, Workday, Slate, PowerFaids).

Strong attention to detail and follow up skills.

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette.

Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.