Financial Aid Specialist

Location : UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026-01447
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Office of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management
Division: Financial Aid Services
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii
Position Number:: 0081609
Description
Title: Financial Aid Specialist

Position Number: 0081609

Hiring Unit: Financial Aid Services


Location: Manoa

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Closing Date: August 31, 2026

Band: B

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Additional Salary Information: PBB, minimum $5,640/month

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities

• *Learn specific techniques required to operate effectively and with empathy to all financial aid applicants.
• *Responsible for the management of assigned Federal/State/Institutional Aid Program(s). Serve as the primary resource person for the assigned Aid Program(s).
• *Develop and write office policies and procedures to effectively and equitably administer assigned aid programs insuring compliance with applicable Federal/State/Institutional regulations. Review annually and revise as needed.
• *Conduct formal and informal training sessions for professional staff on assigned Aid Programs policies and regulations. Training sessions provided as needed.
• *Responsible for semester and year ending reconciliation of funds for assigned Aid Programs.
• *Provide assistance to the Director in responding to inquiries for the annual compliance audit and Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), as it applies to assigned Aid Programs.
• *Participate in the development of office operations manual. Assist with annual review and revision.
• *Participate in the development of office awarding/packing procedures to insure that all aid programs are awarded in accordance to Federal/State/Institutional regulations. Review annually and revise as needed.
• *Responsible for the evaluation of student financial aid applications in the awarding of Federal/State/Institutional aid. Items such as eligibility for need/non-need based aid, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Special Circumstances, etc.
• *Responsible for the review of student award offer as new information is received. Information such as: Petitions for Special Circumstances, non-University resources, Departmental Scholarships and Tuition Waivers and Third Party Payments, etc.
• *Responsible for the validation of student (and parent, if dependent) income and asset information to complete the Federal Verification Process, as required.
• *Provide financial aid counseling/advising to prospective and current students in regards to applying for financial aid, available sources/types of financial aid, and assist in completion of required forms and applications.
• *Responsible for addressing students' needs through professional judgment within the guidelines of Federal regulations.
• *Provide guidance to University departments with Federal/State/Institutional aid policies and regulations as to the awarding of scholarships.
• *Respond to student inquiries in a professional, clear and articulate manner through written or verbal communications.
• *Plan, schedule and conduct student loan entrance and exit counseling sessions.
• *Advise student employees who work with Specialist on assigned aid programs about any changes in regulations that affect office procedures, the purpose of requirements and office activities.
• *Coordinate with and advise University departments/officials on aid regulations and policies. Offices to include Admissions, Registrar, Cashier, Housing, Food Services, Dean of Student Services and other departments as necessary.
• *Collaborate in the development of consumer documents, such as brochures, flyers and financial aid publications both paper, electronic and other formats.
• *Participate in joint efforts with University departments for high school and community visitations within the state to provide financial aid information to prospective students and their parents.
• *Support outreach activities, presentations, and webinars to educate students and their families about financial aid programs, requirements, and important deadlines.
• *Plan, schedule and conduct financial aid workshops when asked by community and high schools within the State, and University departments.
• *Pursue professional development activities (e.g., Federal Training, PacFAA Workshops) as required by changes in aid regulations and for personal development.
• *Deal tactfully but firmly with others.
• *Contact federal officials when appropriate for interpretation of regulations that may affect institutional policies, or for clarification of unusual circumstances that are not covered specifically in the federal regulations/handbook.
• *Address student issues and concerns in a timely and professional manner. Identify recurring questions and concerns and develop effective solutions and resources to improve services and reduce common inquiries as the counselor on duty.
• Other duties as assigned

*Denotes essential functions

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts, social sciences, business, or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for providing financial aid services in a post-secondary setting of which at least one year experience in working with Ellucian Banner financial aid module forms and processes; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities indicated.
2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of financial aid counseling/advising as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with financial aid counseling/advising.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
8. For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
9. Considerable knowledge of the techniques and procedures involved with financial aid counseling/advising, including the ability to effectively handle complaints.
10. Considerable knowledge of programs and practices of student financial aid processes and their purposes and functions typical of an institution of higher education.
11. Thorough knowledge of the Ellucian Banner Student Information system financial aid module forms and processes.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Knowledge and understanding of student services programs, non-institutional resources for postsecondary education and the University of Hawaii policies and procedures, both at Manoa and the University of Hawaii system.

To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following:
1. Resume
2. Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications
3. Names of 3 professional references
4. Official transcripts
Must submit an official undergraduate college transcript with verification of degree awarded. Unofficial web-based transcripts or other course and grade reports (e.g. STAR report for UHM) will not be accepted. Copies of official educational transcripts will be accepted but an original transcript must be submitted if selected prior to hiring. Confidential information must be redacted (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.).

Inquiries: Jodie Kuba; jodiek
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
EEO, Clery Act, ADA:
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link:

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: