Financial Aid Specialist, Financial Aid Office

Salary: $22.50 Hourly
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Hourly Staff Full-time
Job Number: 202400670
Department: Financial Aid, University of Montana
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
FLSA: Determined by Position


Description
The Financial Aid Office invites applications for two (2) Financial Aid Specialists to join their team. Financial Aid Specialists serve as front-line representatives, providing high-quality customer service to students, families, and campus partners. These positions support the administration of federal, state, institutional, and scholarship aid programs through accurate data processing, document review, and responsive service. The roles require strong attention to detail, adherence to regulatory requirements, and the ability to resolve issues while ensuring compliance with federal Title IV regulations, institutional policies, and donor and foundation criteria.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for students and families, providing accurate guidance on financial aid programs, FAFSA, eligibility, and award processes.
• Deliver student-centered support while explaining aid offers, cost of attendance, and basic financial literacy, ensuring compliance with FERPA.
• Accurately maintain financial aid records in systems (e.g., Banner), including data entry, document review, and record management.
• Process verification documents, resolve discrepancies, and perform quality control to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Support scholarship administration, including application review, awarding, disbursement tracking, and monitoring ongoing eligibility (e.g., SAP).
• Research and resolve routine issues, manage caseloads, and collaborate with campus partners to ensure timely and accurate student support.
• Communicate effectively via phone, email, and in-person interactions; document all activities and provide proactive outreach to students.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations; assist with audits, reporting, and ongoing training.
• Support outreach events and campus engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in customer service, administrative support, data entry, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage detailed information with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Basic proficiency with office software and database systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
• Experience in financial aid, scholarships, or higher education administration.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Banner or similar student information systems.
• Working knowledge of FAFSA, federal financial aid programs, and scholarship administration.

Additional Information
Compensation Title: Financial Aid Specialist I

Union: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum


Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of May 21, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest - addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume - listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) Professional References - names and contact information

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.


Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
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