Coordinator, Scholarships

Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Wed May 20 2026 Job Description:

Purpose of Position

The Coordinator will primarily be responsible for the administration of university scholarship programs and most all Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) administered scholarship and grant programs participated in by the University. The position reports to the Assistant Director for Recruitment and Retention in the Department of Student Financial Assistance while supporting the enrollment management objectives of the University to optimize enrollment and net revenue impact of scholarship administration.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Facilitate eligibility determination and award process for University Merit Scholarships for freshman, returning, and transfer students by executing Banner and SQL jobs to facilitate awarding and notification processes

• Conduct all associated audits for University Merit awards for freshman, returning, and transfer students making adjustments relative to over awards, residual disbursements, enrollment, and non-attendance

• Work to protect the University from audit findings and associated liabilities with regard to scholarship awarding practices

• Serve as a subject matter expert, with independent authority, to post, adjust, and return scholarship awards/funds within the parameters of operating policy

• Works with appropriate departmental personnel to approve or deny student petitions for special conditions or policy appeals, and resolve any scholarship processing issues

• Establish and maintain identifiers for University Merit, and targeted scholarship groups

• Manage the dissemination of and execution of the communication plan for first-time freshman, transfer, and renewal scholarships

• Serve as administrator for the awarding, reconciliation and compliance with KHEAA state scholarships including but not limited to Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), Early Childhood Development Scholarship, Dual Credit Scholarship Program, KY Early Graduation Scholarship, Work Ready and Work Ready Dual Credit Scholarships, and Kentucky Teacher Scholarship in accordance with governing regulations

• Managing call and email volume for the scholarship area

• Serving as contact for high school award ceremony certificates

• Assist with monitoring and updating scholarship information for various marketing items, social media, and website

• Assisting with the Cherry Presidential scholarship application/interview process

• Assisting with and reporting on annual scholarship budget projections in cooperation with the University Administration, consultants, and the Financial Aid Director based on historical rates of retention, anticipated enrollments of new students, and other factors

• Remains knowledgeable of, and serves as backup for, NCAA Scholarship Coordinator when workload permits

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Counseling parents and students in regard to scholarships and other financial assistance programs

• Serve as Secretary for the WKU NCAA Scholarship Appeals Committee

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

• Self-motivated with ability to multi-task

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment

• Attention to detail and accuracy is critical

• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop staff

• Understanding of federal/state aid programs and governing regulations

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree

• General level understanding of higher education admission processes and financial aid programs

• Demonstrated experience with basic customer service standards and principles

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and in operation of modern office equipment

• Ability to travel on day and occasional overnight trips for recruiting and training purposes

Additional Information:

Hourly Range: $20.79 - $22.08

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at View email address on click.appcast.io or by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at:

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