Financial Aid Coordinator

About EC3

Erie County Community College (EC3) is committed to empowering individual learners and cultivating a skilled workforce to strengthen Erie County. Guided by values of a welcoming and collaborative environment, innovative and excellent education, workforce and economic impact, and intentional and sustainable growth, EC3 transforms lives through accessible, workforce-focused education and community partnership.

At EC3, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following values in their daily work:

• Innovative Mindset: Encourages creativity, adaptability, and forward-thinking by being open to new ideas, improving processes, and adjusting to change as priorities evolve.
• Communication: Demonstrates clear, timely, and respectful communication, ensuring information is shared appropriately, and concerns are addressed constructively.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for outcomes, follows through on commitments, meets deadlines, and maintains accuracy and reliability in work.
• Student and Stakeholder Focus: Emphasizes effective service and responsiveness, recognizing how operational work supports students, stakeholders, and the institution as a whole.
• Teamwork: Promotes a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment by collaborating with others, supporting shared goals, and contributing to overall college success.

Position Overview

The Financial Aid Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the student's financial aid experience at EC3 to include the administration of institutional, state, and federal aid programs. The coordinator will be responsible for supporting the college’s setup of financial aid in Workday and with the selected third-party vendor and responding to financial aid questions from all stakeholders.

Base Salary: $45,000 - $50,000

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

This list is meant to be representative and not exhaustive in nature. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Serves as main point of contact for EC3’s Financial Aid Servicer, Portico.
• Establishes, documents, and maintains the financial aid process to adhere to the procedural expectations of the federal government and the College.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for students and stakeholders regarding financial aid and scholarship programs, processes, and resources.
• Coordinates and implements financial aid activities such as outreach, reporting, and monitoring; updates and maintains student records.
• Works with the Foundation office to develop and administer the college’s scholarship program
• Prepares and presents information regarding federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants for various campus groups, high school students and parents at meetings, group discussions, workshops, and recruitment sessions.
• May hire, train, and supervise student employees.
• May provide formal or informal supervision to other financial aid/scholarship specialists and other members of the campus community.
• Assists and supports other financial processing for the school's business office as needed.
• Works with departments, Foundation staff, and other business office personnel to respond to inquiries and to ensure federal and state grant program accounts are active and not expired.
• Ensures appropriate dissemination of private funds for need-based aid before FAFSA can be used for SAI.
• Works with Foundation staff to develop and administer process for application, review, and dissemination for Emergency Scholarship. Works with bursar to resolve issues. Responds to student inquiries.
• Leads FAFSA outreach activities to the community with support from campus community.
• Responsible for leading financial aid training workshops for internal staff and external constituents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required.
• Experience administering financial aid in higher education.
• Understanding of and belief in the benefits of a community college education.
• Possess an appreciation for an inclusive learning environment where everyone is respected and valued.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3 years’ experience of direct experience administering financial aid in higher education.
• Experience giving presentations in an educational setting.
• Experience setting up financial aid processes within a student information system, Workday Student Information Systems preferred.
• Experience training financial aid processes to prospective students and staff members.

Skills

• Knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency with student information systems and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Commitment to student success and inclusive service.

Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Generous retirement plan with a 9% employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, and personal days
• Health insurance opt-out incentive
• Benefits eligibility beginning the first of the month following hire date

EEO Statement: Erie County Community College is committed to and affirms a policy of equal employment opportunity to all applicants, employees, and students without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, gender identification, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic and to provide each and every individual with the ability to work in a safe, productive and professional work environment that is free from discriminatory practices.