Job Description

This position exists to ensure that all financial aid statutes, rules and regulations are adhered to by setting up and maintaining the financial aid portion of the Student Information System. This position provides advice and counsel to prospective and current students, high school counselors, family members and University staff. Specifically this individual will manage the tracking and verification procedures, automated packaging process, crediting of aid to student accounts, and scholarship program administration. Oversight of general office operations and personnel management are also significant responsibilities.

Program Processing and Regulations
Manage all facets of the Student Information System, which includes the tracking, verification, awarding and distribution of financial aid data and funds so that all awards are made available to students in a timely, accurate and equitable manner. This must be done in such a manner that ensures compliance with federal, state, system and institutional financial aid regulations. Documentation of procedures and training of staff members who utilize these systems is critical to ensure consistent treatment of all applicants. Additionally, provide guidance for the development and maintenance of the financial aid module through contact with system developers and business analysts.

Office Leadership and Direction
Assist the director with assessment of personnel needs and evaluation of staff. Remain apprised of federal, state, and system laws and regulations in order to maintain compliance and that office goals and objectives are achieved. Provide leadership and guidance to office staff as they review applications, consortium agreements, appeals and professional judgment requests so that all cases are decided accurately and consistently. Serve in the director’s absence so that all management and administrative functions are performed appropriately.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Administer the institution’s financial aid satisfactory academic progress policy as well as serve as the primary contact person for individuals seeking information or submitting appeals so that this policy is in full compliance with federal, state, System, and institutional regulations. Ensure that all students who submit appeals are reviewed and responded to in an effective, consistent, and timely manner. Coordinate this work with the Academic Appeals and Probation Office.

Financial Aid Counseling
Provide information, advice and counsel to prospective and continuing students, parents, high school counselors, and other clientele regarding financial aid programs, procedures, eligibility, costs, regulations, and debt management. This includes making presentations to groups both on and off campus.

Scholarship Administration
Lead the Financial Aid Office’s involvement in all functions related to scholarships. This requires coordination with personnel in Admissions, SCSU Foundation, various campus departments, private scholarship organizations and Business Services to ensure that all scholarships are established and administered consistently and in accordance with established University and Foundation policies.

Other Duties
Lead or assist with other duties as assigned in order to ensure students receive outstanding service and financial aid programs are administered according to all federal, state, system and institutional regulations.

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Master’s degree plus three years of advanced professional experience in student aid administration, admissions, counseling or relevant administrative work OR Bachelor’s degree plus four years of advanced professional experience in student aid administration, admissions, counseling or relevant administrative work
• Strong personnel management, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Computer software skills sufficient to administer financial aid programs
• Ability to deliver high quality customer service while integrating knowledge and information from multiple interrelated sources
• Evidence of demonstrated ability to work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Preferred:

• Direct work experience within Financial Aid
• Experience with various government financial aid databases, such as, but not limited to, FAA access, NSLDS, and COD
• Expert knowledge of federal financial aid regulations
• Expert understanding of Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Proficient in the use of the MinnState ISRS Financial Aid module as a “super-user”
• Institutional or state programmatic management and awarding experience