Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist
The Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist reports to the Director of Student Financial Aid and supports the delivery of student financial assistance as an integral part of the University’s student success and graduation results. The Specialist is responsible for administering institutional scholarships while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations. The Specialist will strategically assist at-risk and/or high-need students with all financial opportunities including Title IV Aid, grants, financial literacy, and institutional funding.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage the Institutional Scholarship Budget and oversee scholarship funding and awarding processes in conjunction with the Athens State Scholarship Committee.
- Work with all stakeholders to develop the strategic plan, and metrics, for scholarship programs.
- Define requirements for scholarship and grant technical needs and work with technical teams to identify software solutions and/or changes to improve processing efficiency and improve the student experience.
- Create reports on the progress of scholarship and grant campaigns, as needed.
- Identify and implement appropriate scholarship training and visibility for students, faculty, and staff.
- Resolve student escalations or complex problems that may arise with processing, requirements, or compliance with internal and external parties.
- Promote and support student involvement with financial literacy education.
- Analyze and evaluate the financial viability of students and families, and provide counsel regarding available financial opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
- Provide proactive financial advising to high-need students.
- Use SIS to process aid awards and maintain student files including applications, verification documentation, award offers, and outside resources.
- Communicate and collaborate with other educational institutions and governmental agencies.
- Perform general office duties.
- Meet annual goals established by the Director of Student Financial Aid
- Identify opportunities for improvements to work practices and offer viable solutions for
- Routinely practice self-monitoring by assessing self to make improvements or take corrective action to improve performance
- Serve as a member if an integrated team dedicated to the effective delivery of student financial aid
- Maintain up-to-date technological skills and use them efficiently in the performance of job functions
- Comply with all policies of the University
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing work scope and tasks based on need
- Actively work towards building cooperative and collaborative relationships with peers and internal faculty and staff
- Maintain “open door” to internal and external customers
- Complete other tasks as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Three years of work experience in a financial, customer service, or college-related environment preferred.
- Accounting/bookkeeping skills preferred.
- Banner experience preferred.
- Microsoft Windows Applications experience required.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Above average communication skills.
- Must be pleasant and possess a professional demeanor.
- Must be flexible and have a cooperative work style.
- Sensitivity to cultural diversity.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Interest in Student Service.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position such as standing and/or sitting for a prolonged period of time
- Occasionally tasked with filing which may require low postures such as crouching, kneeling, and/or stooping
- Ability to adjust or move objects up to 25 pounds in all directions
- Ability to communicate with others to exchange information
- Frequently uses hands/fingers to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as copier, printer, etc.
- Frequently uses near vision for use of computers and reading small print
SALARY: Salary Range: $50,631 - $75,947: with midpoint at $63,289 (Annualized Rate)
To view salary schedules visit: https://www.athens.edu/about/offices/human-resources/resources/salary-schedule-tables
Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
To apply or view details, visit https://jobs.athens.edu/
Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and remain “open until filled”.
