Financial Aid Counseling Coordinator - UTK

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Financial Aid Counseling Coordinator position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improving the recruitment and graduation of our students. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been ranked by Forbes as one of America’s best large employers, as recognized on the 2024 list.

The target starting salary for this position is $45,000 - $48,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility. 

This position will serve as an expert level of support to students and families who have in-depth questions or issues regarding their financial aid eligibility or financing their education. The coordinator is expected to have a high level of technical knowledge and expertise in federal and state regulations, will make independent judgments and decisions, and will serve as a backup to the Assistant Director Financial Aid Student Services. The coordinator will review verification and appeal files completed by financial aid counselors and verification specialists for quality assurance purposes, and will provide direct feedback, coaching, and training. The coordinator will also have final decision and override authority for all professional judgment appeals. The coordinator will be responsible for schedule coordination of and workload prioritization to the counselors and verification specialists and will directly supervise the Federal Work-Study students employed by the office.

 

Required Education and Experience: 

High School diploma and 5 years of direct financial aid experience., or

Associate degree and 3 years of direct financial aid experience., or

Bachelor's degree and 1 year of direct financial aid experience.

 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of progressively responsible direct financial aid experience. 

• Supervisory experience preferred.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

• Ability to write clearly and concisely using effectual writing skills.

• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.

• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member, and ability to supervise staff.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, and ability to make and be responsible for independent decisions.

• Ability to work under time constraints.

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ellucian Banner, OnBase, and/or TeamDynamix experience preferred.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (or similar).

 

Benefits: 

University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days

• Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members

• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

 

 

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