Job Title: Financial Aid Coordinator
Location: Campus Hybrid
Department: Financial Aid
Reports To: Director of Financial Aid
Hourly Rate: $26.00 - $30.00
Position Overview:
The Financial Aid Coordinator is responsible for supporting the administration of financial aid programs and services for students at NDNU. This includes assisting students and families in navigating the financial aid process, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and processing applications in an efficient and timely manner. The role involves strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills to help students achieve their academic goals while minimizing financial barriers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Student Support: Provide excellent customer service to students and families, answering inquiries regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, deadlines, and required documentation.
- Financial Aid Application Processing: Assist in reviewing and processing financial aid applications, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, and institutional forms. Ensure all required documents are submitted and complete.
- Awarding and Counseling: Participate in awarding financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Offer financial counseling to students, providing guidance on funding options and financial literacy.
- Assist with Compliance & Reporting: Assist with Financial Aid’s requirements of compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations. Assist with audits and prepare reports on financial aid disbursements, eligibility, and program participation.
- Data Management: Maintain accurate records of student financial aid files, applications, and supporting documentation. Use financial aid software to track and update student accounts.
- Communication: Create and distribute financial aid communications such as award letters, updates, and notifications to students and families. Collaborate with other departments, including admissions and registrar, to ensure alignment of student financial aid needs.
- Process Improvement: Continuously assess financial aid processes and recommend improvements for efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery.
- Other Duties As Assigned
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field preferred.
- Associate’s degree with 3 years of higher education financial aid experience.
- Experience: At least 2 years of experience in higher education financial aid (preferred) or a related financial field, with a strong understanding of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work with a diverse student population and address their concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Proficiency in financial aid software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Knowledge of financial aid regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices.
Other Requirements: Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with federal financial aid systems (e.g., COD, NSLDS, FAFSA,).
- Experience with financial aid processing software (e.g., PowerFAIDs, Jenzabar, Banner, PeopleSoft).
- Experience in student advising or counseling.
Work Environment:
This position is based in an office environment with regular office hours and occasional remote work options. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak financial aid seasons (e.g., application deadlines)
Application Procedures:
NDNU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse student population. In your cover letter, please include information about your experiences in working in a diverse environment, and what qualities you would bring to supporting this commitment to inclusive excellence at NDNU.
EEOC Policy:
The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.
