Financial Aid Specialist

Salary: $22.78 - $28.47 Hourly
Location : 700 W State Street, Milwaukee, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-05601
Division: Enrollment and Retention
Department: Financial Aid
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Application Requirements: Candidates (both internal and external) must complete the employment application in its entirety for further consideration. Typing "See Resume" in lieu of application completion will not be acceptable. Salary determination will be based on years of credited experience that is listed on the job application only so please include complete work history.


Description
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and most diverse technical college, offering 170+ high-quality programs that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years. The college also offers a less expensive path to a four-year degree. MATC is transforming lives, industry and our community by preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow. Together, we are meeting the needs of the community we share and are focused on students with the greatest needs. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team who shares the same passion in serving this purpose. Learn more about MATC at .

Under the supervision of the Financial Aid Supervisor for Student Services, the Financial Aid Specialist provides comprehensive advising to current and prospective students regarding available financial aid programs and application procedures. This position supports students throughout the financial aid process, helping them navigate often complex eligibility requirements, forms, and deadlines. Assists with the administration and processing of aid to ensure timely and accurate awarding. The role works closely with a diverse student population, including individuals from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. The role requires a strong commitment to equity and student success, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately while guiding students through challenging and often unfamiliar processes.


Work is detailed and diversified requiring professional judgment, analysis of individual circumstances, and decision-making in alignment with established policies and procedures. Supervision received is general in nature using established procedures and general objectives and limited to problems or unusual conditions. Works both independently and with staff in a teamwork approach.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial Aid Advising: Guides students on educational related financial matters including budget planning, their rights and responsibilities related to financial aid, including terms and conditions of aid programs and repayment obligations, and related financial aid options. Supports students through in-person appointments and drop-ins, virtually through Zoom and other platforms, and timely email responses.
• Student Support and Application Guidance: Explains financial aid procedures, eligibility requirements, and deadlines to ensure students understand the full application process. Provides guidance to students as they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and required follow up documentation and also provides guidance to students in completing applications for various types of financial aid, including federal and state grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Troubleshoots problems with FAFSA submission and student portals.
• Recordkeeping and Compliance: Maintains accurate records, generates reports, and remains up-to-date with Department of Education regulatory changes. Reads and interprets regulations relevant to Title IV student financial aid assistance programs. Conducts federal verification processes in compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring accuracy and completeness of student financial aid files. Guides students on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards and guides them through the appeal process to help maintain their eligibility for federal student aid.
• Outreach and Education: Represents the MATC Financial Aid Office at outreach events, workshops, and orientation sessions, including high school visits and community events. Delivers presentations on financial aid processes and promotes financial wellness resources.
• Problem Solving and Communication: Reviews and evaluates complex student situations, including provisional independent status, unaccompanied homeless youth determinations, and special circumstances requiring professional judgment. Ensures adherence to institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Practices honesty by demonstrating a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, values, truthfulness, and accuracy in all actions. Addresses all student and employee behavior in a confidential and respectful manner.
• Cross Functional Relationships and Collaborative Teamwork: Establishes, maintains and enhances positive working relationships with staff, faculty and administrators.
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Maintains current knowledge of best practices and standards in higher education with an emphasis on community colleges. Actively participates in applicable workgroups, trainings, workshops, seminars, committees and professional associations or conferences to promote continuous learning.
• Other duties: Performs other related duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional objectives.

Qualifications
Compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation standards/requirements, as well as all MATC policies and procedures.
Required Education & Experience : Associate's degree in a related field and three (3) years of experience in a financial aid, higher education administration or financial institution office/role.
Preferred Education & Experience : Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least two (2) years of experience in a financial aid, higher education administration or financial institution office/role.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Working knowledge of financial aid federal sites.
• Knowledge and ability to counsel students and parents on FAFSA application and utilization while effectively communicating financial aid award options e.g. (Institutional grants and scholarships, Pell Grant, Wisconsin Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Student loans.)
• Proficient in performing accurate numerical calculations, with strong attention to detail in data entry and analysis.
• Ability to problem solve effectively.
• Ability to overcome obstacles by engaging internal and external resources.
• Ability to complete projects in a higher education setting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment delivering excellent student service support.
• Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means.
• Ability to establish, collaborate and maintain effective work relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, representatives of outside agencies, educational institutions, and the general public.
• Ability to convey an image of professionalism and dedication in work related activities.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse student and employee populations.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and software specific to position, including spreadsheets and Google Suite.
• Ability to successfully work independently as well as in cross functional teams.

Supplemental Information
Start Date
This position supports the Financial Aid Department and is available starting as soon as possible. This position will be based out the Downtown Campus.

Hours
This position is full-time with hours available Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

Salary
Salary is listed to the midpoint of the salary range. Rates and are determined by years of experience credit and internal salary equity.

Application Materials
Along with your completed applications, please upload a resume and cover letter. Education will be formally verified prior to offer.

Interviews
Selected candidates will be invited to virtually interview for this position after the application deadline.

EEO
Milwaukee Area Technical College will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law.


Milwaukee Area Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access Educator/Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need special accommodation for the application process, please contact our office at View phone number on click.appcast.io (Wisconsin Relay System: 711) or email
Health Insurance

• MATC offers a choice between two medical insurance plans. See below for plan types:
  • Low Deductible PPO
  • High Deductible PPO
• Upon selection, the coverage begins the first of the month following start date. You will have 30 days from your start date to enroll.
• MATC contributes a generous percentage towards medical insurance premium.
• Both medical plans include prescription drug coverage at no additional cost to employees.
• Employees are offered an option to enroll in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with the selection of the Low Deductible PPO plan.
• Employees are offered an option to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) with the selection of the High Deductible PPO plan with employer contributions.

Dental Insurance

• MATC offers a group dental plan through Delta Dental.
• Upon selection, the dental insurance plan coverage begins the first of the month following start date.
• Annual maximum per covered person is $2,500; plan covers preventive, routine, restoration, and has an orthodontic benefit for dependents up to age 19.

Vision Insurance

• MATC offers a group vision plan through Superior Vision..Upon selection, the vision insurance plan coverage begins the first of the month following start date.
• Plan covers eye exam, frames, lenses and contact lenses.

Group Life Insurance

• MATC offers group term life insurance benefits through Madison National Life Insurance Company effective the first of the month of start date and is fully paid for by the College. The amount of insurance is based upon the employee's annual earnings rounded to the higher $1,000.00. The benefit is doubled in the event of accidental death.
• Supplemental Life Insurance is also available at group rates for employees, spouses, and dependents to purchase.

Long-Term Disability

• MATC offers long-term disability insurance through Madison National Life Company after 30 days of employment and is fully paid for by the College. Benefits provided are equal to 66 2/3% of base monthly earnings.

Flexible Spending Accounts

• MATC offers two types of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):
  • Health Care FSA
  • Dependent Care FSA
• This type of benefit allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars per calendar year for a variety of medical, dental, and vision expenses (for a Health Care FSA) and for day care expenses for children under 13 or family members that are dependent on you for more than half their support (for a Dependent Care FSA) up to a maximum amount.

Retirement Savings

• Regular full-time employees of MATC who are hired for greater than 12 months become members of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)'s pension system as of day one of employment. The College currently pays the full cost of the employer contribution (6.9%), and the employee pays the full part of the employee contribution of 6.9% of salary. There is a five year vesting period requirement in order to qualify for any employer contributions made on the employee's behalf. Contribution rates are subject to change annually as set by the State.
• In addition to the WRS pension account, employees may enroll in other optional retirement savings plan such as a 403(b) account or a 457 account on a pre-tax or post-tax basis.

Sick Leave

• MATC offers employees a generous sick leave plan per year.
• Each employee may accumulate up to 165 days of full sick leave with an unlimited accumulation of half pay sick leave.

Vacation

• MATC offers a vacation policy to employees for the purpose of rest and relaxation.
• Vacation is earned at a generous rate each year of employment. (Not available for Instructors)

Paid & Flexible (Floating) Holidays

• MATC offers 12 paid holidays for non-Faculty positions and 7 paid holidays for Faculty positions.
• MATC provides two flexible (floating) holidays per employee per year. (Not available for Instructors).

Tuition Benefits:

• Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement and waiver after completing probationary period.
• Amount allowed per fiscal year is 18 credits at MATC or $1,400 at other accredited institutions.

01


Candidates (both internal and external) must complete the employment application in its entirety for further consideration. Have you included and fully completed the education and experience information on your application?

• Yes
• No

02


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Some College, No Degree
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate or PhD
• Professional Certification or License without a degree

03


Are you able to work a schedule of Monday-Thursday 9:30am-6:00pm and Fridays 8:00am-4:30pm?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have experience in any Student Services areas (Financial Aid, Registration & Records, Counseling & Advising, Testing & Assessments, Admissions, Accommodations, Tutoring & Academic Support, Student Activities)? If so, please describe. If not, please write 'N/A.'
05


Do you have prior experience with, and knowledge of, the financial aid verification and award process? If yes, please describe. Please also include how many years of experience you have in the area. If not, please write 'N/A.'
06


(INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY) Please list all positions previously and currently held at the college. (External applicants type N/A)
07


(INTERNAL and FORMER MATC Employees ONLY) Please specifically describe how your previous or current duties/experience relates to this position. (External candidates type N/A)
Required Question