Financial Aid Operations Specialist

Financial Aid Operations SpecialistYou must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more:Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible EmployeesCommunity Service LeaveAetna – State Health Benefits of North CarolinaNCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more12 Paid HolidaysTeachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Campus Recreation Center DiscountUniversity Bookstore Discountand moreThis position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.Position/Classification Title - Student Services SpecialistClassification Type - SHRAPosition required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: - N - Not MandatoryMinimum Experience/Education - Bachelor's degree; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education - Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. Ability to problem-solve and make good decisions, work independently, meet deadlines, and think quickly in a fast paced environment.Primary Purpose of Position - Serves as a lead administrative and operational support professional within the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. This position provides high-level coordination of administrative functions, supports strategic and operational initiatives, and ensures the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of financial aid and scholarship processes. The role operates with a high degree of independence, exercising judgment in resolving complex administrative issues, supporting leadership decision-making, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The position also serves as a key liaison between staff, students, and campus stakeholders to ensure efficient service delivery and operational continuity.Primary Function of Organizational Unit - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an 1890 land-grant doctoral research university dedicated to learning, discovery, and community engagement. The University provides a wide range of educational opportunities from bachelor's to doctoral degrees in both traditional and online environments. With an emphasis on preeminence in STEM and a commitment to excellence in all its educational, research, and outreach programs, North Carolina A&T fosters a climate of economic competitiveness that prepares students for the global society. The Office of Student Financial Aid is responsible for administering financial aid programs within federal, state, institutional and private guidelines.Work Hours - 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. Monday - FridayIs this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. - On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)Key Responsibilities and Related CompetenciesRequired Competency - Work Coordination/PlanningDuties - Lead coordination of daily administrative operations to ensure efficiency and continuity of services. Prioritize and manage high-volume workflows, including scheduling, document processing, and communications. Monitor and evaluate administrative processes; implement improvements to enhance service delivery. Provide guidance and direction to support staff and temporary employees as needed. Support leadership with operational planning and execution of departmental initiativesRequired Competency - Problem SolvingDuties - Independently analyze and resolve complex administrative and operational issues. Identify process gaps and recommend/implement solutions to improve effectiveness and compliance. Exercise judgment in interpreting policies, procedures, and regulations. Escalate high-risk or sensitive issues appropriately while providing recommended solutionsRequired Competency - Information/Records AdministrationDuties - Manage and maintain confidential student and financial aid records in compliance with FERPA and federal regulations. Ensure accuracy and completeness of data within systems such as Banner and document imaging platforms. Support audit preparation and response by maintaining organized, compliant documentation. Conduct data reviews and validation to ensure integrity across systems and reportsRequired Competency - Communication - Verbal/WrittenDuties - Serve as a primary point of contact for students, staff, and external stakeholders. Communicate complex financial aid and scholarship information clearly and professionally. Draft and review correspondence, reports, and procedural documentation. Support leadership communication efforts, including escalations and sensitive inquiriesRequired Competency - Office TechnologyDuties - Utilize advanced functions within administrative systems (e.g., Banner, reporting tools). Support data tracking, reporting, and operational analysis. Troubleshoot system-related issues and coordinate with technical teams as needed. Maintain accuracy and consistency across digital systems and workflowsRequired Competency - Program KnowledgeDuties - Apply working knowledge of financial aid and scholarship programs, policies, and compliance requirements. Support program administration, including processing, verification, and student record review. Stay current on regulatory updates and institutional policy changes. Assist in training staff on processes and proceduresPosition InformationWorking Title - Financial Aid Operations SpecialistCompetency Level - JourneyPosition Number - 000946Recruitment Range - $41,499 - $50,000FLSA - Non-ExemptAppointment Type - Permanent - Full-timeFTE - 40 hours/week, 12 monthsOrganizational Division - Financial Aid OfficeOrganizational Location - Assoc VP for Enrollment MgmtOrganizational Unit - Financial Aid OfficePosting Detail InformationPosting Number - SHRA3286Open Date - 11/04/2026Close Date - 11/11/2026