Financial Aid Operations and Data Specialist

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The Financial Aid Operations and Data Specialist is responsible for providing both administrative and technical support for the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office. This position requires a blend of customer service skills, student financial aid functional knowledge, and technical proficiency. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a pay range of $20.00 to $23.00 per hour.

Administrative duties include acting as the first point of contact for students and families, responding to requests for information via office email, phone and in person; providing office support to financial aid staff and managing office operations and calendar; overseeing office supply inventory and office billing; training and supervising financial aid student workers.

Technical duties include maintaining all electronic student financial aid files, importing records from outside databases, and overseeing the office electronic student communication process. Related responsibilities include participating in annual system updates, testing and integration of Financial Aid Management databases (PowerFAIDS and Colleague), and managing and updating the financial aid website. The Financial Aid Operations and Data Specialist will serve as the technical contact between the Financial Aid Office and Library and Information Technology Services (LITS) department.

The ideal Financial Aid Operations and Data Specialist will have experience with and a demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Greeting visitors; answering main office phone; researching and resolving problems for students and parents relating to financial aid material; directing calls to appropriate individuals within the office and on-campus; monitoring and maintaining office email account.
• Provide a broad range of office support which includes: designing various online forms; scheduling conferences, workshops, appointments and meetings; monitoring the inventory and ordering of office supplies and printed materials; coordinating mass mailings and projects; maintaining routine office operational budget.
• Technical ability to understand and assist with the operation, configuration, upgrading, testing and development of PowerFAIDS, Colleague, OnBase, Slate and Net Partner. Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and track data. Ability to communicate effectively with LITS team for problem-solving and implementations. Assist staff with technical matters and to implement efficiencies.
• Using databases and electronic communication, oversee student financial aid checklists, including submission of documents. This requires understanding of how PowerFAIDS, Slate and Net Partner systems interact.
• Retrieve and process electronic student records from an outside database.
• Format and produce electronic award letters, checking for accuracy, printing and emailing to students. Maintain updated electronic copies in PowerFAIDS, Slate, and OnBase.
• Monitor and oversee updates to Financial Aid Office website, and social media accounts (as applicable).
• Hire, train and supervise Financial Aid Office student workers

Qualifications

• Prior administrative experience is required, previous work in a financial aid office preferred
• Associates Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Prior experience in a financial aid office is preferred, or a college setting
• Excellent PC/computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, database software, and financial aid software packages
• PowerFAIDS financial aid software experience preferred
• Web editing experience preferred
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, including grammar and proofreading
• Excellent customer service skills; capable of working collegially and effectively with a diverse group of visitors, students, parents and staff
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize and work on multiple tasks simultaneously and independently
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, judgement and discretion when aiding students and parents
• Ability to adapt to constantly changing situations
• Proficient in working as a member of a team and collaborating with others
• Experience with and a demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.