Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistant

Role:
The Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistant is responsible for the administration and processing of all institutional scholarships, state scholarships, and off-campus scholarships. Additionally, this position provides support with financial aid processing, student loan default management activities, and financial aid outreach initiatives.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Scholarship Administration

• Administer and process all institutional scholarships, including academic, athletic, activity, and dual credit awards.
• Administer and process state scholarships and off-campus scholarship programs.
• Review scholarship applications, documentation, and eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate scholarship awarding, revisions, and adjustments.
• Maintain accurate scholarship records, databases, and student files.
• Monitor scholarship eligibility requirements and renewal criteria.
• Coordinate with campus departments, coaches, advisors, donors, and external organizations regarding scholarship information.
• Communicate scholarship requirements, deadlines, and award information to students.
• Maintain scholarship forms, webpages, informational materials.
• Maintain the learning guide and training manual.

Financial Aid Support

• Provide support with financial aid application processing and document review.
• Assist with verification requirements and financial aid file completion.
• Assist with financial aid communications and student follow-up.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA and federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Student Loan Default Management Support

• Provide support for student loan default prevention and management activities.
• Assist with student outreach and communication regarding loan repayment responsibilities.
• Maintain documentation related to default management efforts.
• Assist with reports and follow-up activities as assigned.

Outreach and Student Support

• Participate in financial aid outreach activities, including orientations, workshops, and campus events.
• Provide financial aid and scholarship information to students and families.
• Promote awareness of scholarship opportunities and financial aid resources.
• Support recruitment and retention initiatives related to financial aid and scholarships.

General Office Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Respond to phone calls, emails, and student inquiries within 1 business day.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

1. To work with department directors and college employees to deliver stellar customer service to existing and potential students.
2. To share expertise of the Student Information System (SIS) with Student Services Staff members and work study students as needed.
3. To represent GCCC in a professional and positive manner.

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience: Two years to five years of similar or related experience.

Education: (1) A two year college degree or (2) Completion of a specialized course of study at a business or trade school or (3) Completion of a specialized and extensive in-house training or apprenticeship program.

Interpersonal Skills: Courtesy, tact, and diplomacy are essential elements of the job. Work involves much personal contact with others inside and/or outside the college for purposes of giving or obtaining information, building relationships, or soliciting cooperation. Work involves a significant level of trust, accuracy and extensive personal contact with others which may be of sensitive nature.

Other Skills: Experience in college Financial Aid Office preferred. Excellent customer service skills are necessary. Excellent written, spoken, and interpersonal communication skills are necessary. Ability to maintain confidential information in a professional manner is required. Proficient in all Microsoft Office software.

Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of items, generally not over 25 pounds, driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

Work Environment: Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.