Financial Aid Officer

Financial Aid Officer

Grade 11

VSC UP PAT Bargaining Unit

Non-EXEMPT

BASIC FUNCTION

Inform and counsel prospective and enrolled students regarding financial aid options and requirements, manage on or more financial aid programs and administer the distribution of financial aid funds within established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in planning, development and administration of financial aid programs following university, state and federal guidelines, policies and regulations.
• Manage and oversee all aspects of one or more federal financial aid programs. Establish guidelines and procedures for the department to follow that ensure legal compliance. Maintain internal deadlines for processing.
• Inform and counsel students and parents to assess their financial needs and provide them with a wide range of information, advice and assistance regarding financial aid options, application procedures, planning and regulations to ensure student success. Assist in problems with the application process.
• Update and maintain student financial aid records. Prepare and send a wide range of communications to respond to questions, provide award information or to deal with specific situations related to a student’s financial aid.
• Assist in Student Success by providing excellent customer service in answering phone calls and emails sent to the Financial Aid Office, including doing the necessary research and responding to the student/parent in a timely manner.
• Confer frequently with the supervisor, and other college departments, including student accounts, admissions, registrar as well as other institutions and financial aid agencies to plan and coordinate activities, policies, procedures, exchange information, investigate and resolve problems, in financial aid programs, policies and procedures.
• Keep informed of current regulations and guidelines governing financial aid programs.
• Attend student orientation or other student visit initiatives to support student enrollment.
• Meet with various groups on and off campus to explain financial aid programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direction is received from the Associate Director of Financial Aid and/or the Director of Financial Aid.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and one to two (1-2) years of relevant financial aid experience
• Willing to work a flexible/non-traditional schedule
• Willingness to travel

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Experience in college financial aid and working with the Ellucian Colleague system preferred.
• Good understanding of higher education financial aid funding system.
• Commitment to developing own professional knowledge and the professional knowledge of team members regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and how it informs practices within area of expertise.

Skills:

• Excellent computer, math, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of students, parents, college personnel and outside agencies/organizations, frequently regarding sensitive financial matters.

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to maintain the integrity of all confidential matters.
• Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives, cultures and an inclusive environment
• Ability to use data-informed decision making to inform resource allocation, processes and procedures.

Location: Financial Aid Officers will be based at any Johnson, Lyndon, Randolph or Castleton campus locations.

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the individual positions assigned to the classification.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu.

NOTE: This job is subject to a criminal background check. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.