Financial Aid Literacy and Scholarship Coordinator (54964)

The Financial Aid Literacy and Scholarship Coordinator, under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, provides a broad range of activities that support student success and financial literacy attainment which includes the development, implementation and evaluation of a financial aid literacy program which ensures compliance with institutional policy, Federal and State regulations, the Fair Debt Collection Act and FERPA. The Financial Aid Literacy and Scholarship Coordinator will manage the scholarship portfolio which includes the CU Endowed and Annual Scholarships, Institutional Scholarships, State grants and scholarships and Third Party scholarships. In the role the individual will effectively communicate to students and parents on financial literacy and scholarship related matters and will serve as the Office of Financial Aid liaison to internal and external entities. The Financial Aid Literacy and Scholarship Coordinator must possess a keen aptitude and ability to communicate effectively and be detailed oriented. Occasional travel is required in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to present financial assistance information at high schools and community college events. Assist and present at internal and external FAFSA Completion Workshops, Financial Literacy Workshops, New Student Orientation sessions, and Freshmen Experience courses, Open Houses and other recruitment, retention and financial literacy events.

Assess eligibility criteria of applicant and advise students and parents regarding scholarship searches, processes, and requirements. Evaluate student academic progress and serve as chairperson for scholarship committees for scholarship appeals. Maintain scholarship database.  Conduct Scholarship workshops and orientations.  Perform duties as assigned.  Knowledge and experience with scholarship programs.  Manage, administer and reconcile the scholarship portfolio which includes the CU Endowed scholarships, CU Annual scholarships, Institutional, Third Party scholarships, and State scholarships. Administer, package and award students with appropriate scholarship and grant aid in compliance with institutional policy, State and Federal regulations and guidelines.  Assist and monitor students with institutional scholarships to ensure they apply for a minimum of three (3) outside scholarships.  Provide the Departments with assistance to determine whether a specific student is eligible for the departmental scholarship and award allocation. Administer and monitor the CU Foundation Scholarship portfolio in cooperation with University’s Institutional Advancement Office to ensure scholarships awards are dispensed in adherence to the criteria that is outlined in the respective donor agreement.  Work closely with the Cashier’s Office and provide the designated staffer with an accurate database of eligible scholarship recipients to complete financial aid award disbursements in a timely manner. Monitor scholarship award recipients to ensure adherence to the scholarship criteria to maintain the award. Provide guidance to students and parents to general scholarship applications and required electronic processes such as the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA to ensure eligibility for potential scholarships and grants. Manage and update the CU Scholarship webpage as needed and respond to emails submitted to the generic email address in a timely manner.  Effectively communicate to students and parents regarding financial aid processes, regulations, student loan repayment, payment options and financial literacy. Counsel students and parents with complex, extenuating, or unusual circumstances related to enrollment, verification, and repayment of financial aid funds. Submit all academic and financial verifications for UNCF. Submit and complete scholarship information for UMHEF and GBHEM.  Develop and implement strategies to support and foster financial literacy to students, staff and faculty.  Develop partnerships with campus staff and Financial Aid Counselors to promote financial literacy initiatives, programs and workshops.  Provide individual and group financial literacy coaching to students to assist with goal setting, budgeting, credit building and rebuilding, debt repayment, savings, utilization of quality financial scholarship services; and asset development, and guide students toward more responsible financial decision-making. Research student financial resources and literacy issues; develop and deliver the financial literacy program, assesses the financial literacy products and services to provide credible personal money management education to students, parents and other audiences as required.  Provide guidance to students and parents to complete required financial aid forms and electronic processes such as the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA), income verification master promissory notes, entrance loan counseling and other related financial aid electronic forms.  Effectively communicate, both written and verbal, to students and parents regarding financial aid processes, regulations, student loan repayment, payment options and financial literacy.  Perform any other duties within the scope of this position.

Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Business Administration, or related field is required. A minimum of two years related experience in Financial Aid is preferred. Additional years of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education. Knowledge of financial aid management systems and/or student information systems. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to cultivate and manage relationships with students and their families. Must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills. Must be detail-oriented and organized with the ability to self-manage multiple projects while working under deadlines in a constantly changing, fast-paced environment.