Financial Aid Associate

Department: Financial Aid Administration

Summary

The Financial Aid Manager position requires an individual who is dynamic, student-oriented, and a critical thinker. This position will perform a variety of financial aid duties related to University, State of Michigan, and Federal aid programs. This position will require applicants to have a genuine interest in promoting student success.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Administer and monitor the Federal Work-Study Program funding of over $400,000 annually.
2. Serve as the primary office contact/liaison for the Federal Work-Study Program to students, faculty, and staff.
3. Administer and monitor various specialized scholarship programs, including but not limited to, Detroit Promise, Kalamazoo Promise, Tuition Reduction Incentive Program.
4. Assist with administering, renewal, and monitoring of sponsored scholarships.
5. Serve as the primary office contact/liaison for student who plan to study aboard and counsel those student on cost of attendance and financial aid options.
6. Counsel students who plan to participate in a co-op experience.
7. Perform various need analysis functions using financial aid information submitted by applicants utilizing established federal, state and University standards and guidelines to determine financial need.
8. Assist with administering financial aid programs and processes, including but not limited to university, sponsored, State of Michigan, Federal aid programs.
9. Meet with current and prospective students and families as needed and provide excellent customer service and demonstrate empathy, understanding, and care in all student and family interactions.
10. Present and provide coverage as needed for local financial aid information sessions, counselor sessions, financial literacy presentations, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) nights.
11. Ensure the security and integrity of confidential student data.
12. Represent the Financial Aid office through assigned University committees and collaborative programs.
13. Other duties as assigned

SUPERVIORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Functional supervision may be exercised over student assistants.

 

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

● Bachelors Degree

Required Experience

● Skill and experience in project management and organizational effectiveness while maintaining strict attention to detail.
● Experience using advanced features of word processing and spreadsheet/ database software.
● Experience with managing process oriented projects.
● Experiences giving presentations to both small and large groups.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

● Bachelors Degree in Accounting, finance, business, mathematics, or another related field.
● Experience using Banner, Perceptive Content, and/or WebFocus.
● Experience working in a higher education setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and written/oral communication skills.
● Demonstrated knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
● Demonstrated ability to explain and convey complex information.
● Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.
● Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work assignments independently in a complex work environment.
● Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
● Demonstrated ability to use appropriate judgement when dealing with highly confidential information.
● Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment.
● Demonstrated ability to learn new computer skills and features.
● Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students and staff.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

 

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

 

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Evening and weekend work will occasionally be required.
The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
The work environment is that of a typical office setting.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional