Financial Aid Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Front-End Financial Aid Coordinator plays a dual role in delivering direct student-facing services while monitoring and guiding the productivity of front-line financial aid staff. Approximately 70% of the role involves hands-on financial aid processing and student support; 30% is dedicated to oversight functions, including monitoring team punctuality and file progression metrics.

Essential Functions:

Operational Responsibilities (70%)

• Assist students in navigating the financial aid process, including completing applications, verifying documents, and submitting required forms
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students at the front-end of the financial aid process (application intake, document submission, eligibility guidance)
• Conduct individual counseling sessions and financial aid presentations to ensure students understand their financial options and responsibilities
• Evaluate student financial aid applications to determine eligibility for various federal, state, and institutional aid programs
• Maintain accurate and complete student financial aid records, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with other university departments to resolve complex financial aid issues and deliver excellent student service
• Maintain thorough and timely documentation in the student information system (SIS)
• Escalate complex issues to the Financial Aid Manager or appropriate personnel
• Stay up to date with changes in financial aid regulations and communicate updates to students and team members

Supervisory Responsibilities (30%)

• Monitor team punctuality, daily attendance, and adherence to schedules; document and escalate issues as needed
• Track file progression and productivity metrics to ensure workflow consistency and performance equity
• Serve as the first point of escalation for routine procedural and interpersonal matters within the front-line team

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as finance, accounting, or education
• Previous experience in a financial aid or student services role within higher education
• At least 6 months of leadership or team coordination experience (formal or informal)
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong prioritization and time management skills
• Proficient in financial aid management systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Customer service-focused with a deep commitment to student success
• $30-$35/hr. (salary is based on experience and education)

Conditions of Employment:

• A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present in the office (unless otherwise noted)
• Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards
• Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Work Environment:

• Standard office/classroom/lab or clinical setting
• Duties are typically performed while sitting at a desk or computer workstation
• May include time spent in skills labs or bedside environments as required by the program
• Subject to frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment, and demanding timelines

Physical Demands:

• Regularly sits for extended periods
• Physical ability to perform program- or department-related duties
• Proficient in using electronic keyboards and office equipment
• Effective verbal communication via phone and in person
• Ability to read fine print, operate computers, and understand voices clearly
• Able to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing 10–25 pounds as needed

Employee Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Exciting university events
• Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
• Work/Life Balance initiatives
• Onsite wellness program / Staff Chiropractor
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Institutional Values:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University’s motto, “Strength through Diversity,”