Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Portland, ME

About Unity:
At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, Hybrid Learning and the Technical Institute for Environmental Professions). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including hybrid, in-person, hyflex, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission:
We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.

The Opportunity:
The Director of Financial Aid oversees the Financial Aid unit to ensure effective processing, automation, and integrity of Financial Aid. The position ensures the appropriate delivery of financial assistance to qualified students that meets federal and state regulations. The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the required segregation of duties between the approval, disbursement, and refunding functions related to financial aid in accordance with applicable statues, regulations, and lender policies. The Director of Financial Aid supervises Financial Aid staff, their work, and effectiveness. Reporting to the Chief Organizational Effectiveness Officer this position handles the execution of daily financial aid tasks and leads the team to undertake new initiatives as assigned.



Day to day responsibilities:

• Determine students' eligibility for assistance and coordinate the processing of student documents required to award federal financial aid.
• Maintain financial aid processing in compliance with regulations defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Participate in institutional financial audits and program reviews as necessary, ensuring clean and unqualified annual audits.
• Disseminate information to students, staff, and faculty regarding financial aid, including the regular review of all Financial Aid web pages.
• Manage loan and award processing.
• Coordinate with various Enterprise Functions to appropriately document, communicate, and disburse endowed scholarships.
• Administer the Student Work-Study Program.
• Design training documentation and schedule to ensure all recruitment and student success staff have the tools necessary to support students through the financial aid process.
• Ensure maximization and transparent communication of financial aid assistance options and eligibility.
• Represent Financial Aid in the SAP review of students.
• Responsible for supervision of Financial Aid employees in accordance with the Unity Environmental University’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Process special circumstances appeals for students.
• Coordinate the accuracy of grade and loan progression review for students using the BBAY model.
• Supervise daily phone and email coverage to guarantee good service to colleagues and students.
• Ensure Return to Title IV calculations are completed in a timely manner with the support of the unit staff.
• Acts as final point of escalation for financial aid concerns from students, parents, and staff.
• Provide supervision and assistance to other units within Organizational Effectiveness as needed, ensuring operational continuity during periods of absence and similar situations (cross-training is provided).
• Assist with software set-up, testing, and enhancements to increase automation.
• Support the Chief Organizational Effectiveness Officer with federal reporting requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Do you have the skills?

• Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5 -7 years working Financial Aid at an institution of higher education
• Experience administering Financial Aid for nonstandard terms using the BBAY model
• Strong critical thinking and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work in a continually changing environment, to take the initiative to determine best practices, and to implement change.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with complex administrative data systems.
• Budget management skills.
• The ability to assimilate and interpret complex data, and sensitivity to issues related to recruitment and retention of a diverse student body.
• Strong communication skills.
• Must have strong organizational and management skills.
• Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the Unity Environmental University community and the public.
• Ability to maintain files accurately, in paper and electronically.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining quality outputs.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff.
• Ability to plan project outcomes and give attention to detail.
• Ability to develop and implement operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous and well poised.

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our company, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges. Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the individual we're searching for!

Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine
Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, The Technical School for Environmental Professions, and the School of Environmental Business & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.

Work Schedule:
Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, weekends. Working extended hours may be required as needed and Unity Environmental University employees must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their responsibilities while meeting the University’s needs.

Although at Unity Environmental University Enterprise employees are generally scheduled to work at their base location, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping, and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.

Company Perks:
Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Paid holidays off
• 4 weeks of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance