Collections Specialist

Sallie Mae•New Castle, DE

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We're on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big. Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We're changing. Because students need a better way. We're looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other. This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It's where you're empowered to bring your authentic self to work. Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You'll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more. We're obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills. Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education. What You'll Contribute The Specialist, Collections will be responsible for performing collection activities in an effort to recover losses from assigned accounts. What You'll Do Manage a portfolio of assigned delinquent accounts. Initiate contact with debtors through phone calls, emails, and written correspondence to discuss outstanding debts, payment options, and negotiate payment arrangements. Document all collection activities, including communication records, payment arrangements, and any relevant information obtained during discussions with debtors within client standards and Federal Regulations. Provide exceptional customer service to debtors, responding to inquiries, providing accurate information, and addressing concerns. Utilize skip tracing techniques and tools to locate debtors who have changed contact information or are difficult to reach. The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

Requirements

Strong negotiation and persuasion skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with debtors in a respectful and professional manner.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including active listening skills and the ability to empathize with debtors.
Ability to handle difficult conversations and resolve conflicts while maintaining composure and professionalism.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
Reliable, ability to work flexible day, evenings and weekend hours as required.
Basic computing skills
Must be able to obtain required License for collecting upon placement.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in business or related fields is preferred.
0-1 years of experience in collections or related customer service roles, preferably in a financial or credit environment.
Proficiency in using collections software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Familiarity with debt collection laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of assigned delinquent accounts.
Initiate contact with debtors through phone calls, emails, and written correspondence to discuss outstanding debts, payment options, and negotiate payment arrangements.
Document all collection activities, including communication records, payment arrangements, and any relevant information obtained during discussions with debtors within client standards and Federal Regulations.
Provide exceptional customer service to debtors, responding to inquiries, providing accurate information, and addressing concerns.
Utilize skip tracing techniques and tools to locate debtors who have changed contact information or are difficult to reach.

Benefits

Competitive base salaries
Bonus incentives
Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed
Support for financial-well-being and retirement
401k with employer match
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more
Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance
Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs
Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware)
Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives
Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs
Career development and training opportunities