Coordinator, Financial Aid

Polk State College•Winter Haven, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Coordinator, Financial Aid oversees and coordinates financial aid programs at Polk State College under the Director of Student Financial Services. The role coordinates financial aid operations, determines and certifies student eligibility, manages awarding and disbursement processes, maintains records, and ensures compliance with federal, state, institutional, and audit requirements. The coordinator also addresses student concerns, manages designated program areas, coordinates reporting, and works with managers and the director to support effective delivery and continuous improvement. The position collaborates with students, families, college departments, state and federal agencies, faculty, counselors, and staff. It leads outreach initiatives, workshops, orientations, presentations, and informational sessions; helps students and parents complete financial aid applications; and serves as a liaison with the Business Office on billing, payment, refund, and financial aid account issues. The position is on campus in Winter Haven or Lakeland; remote and hybrid options are not available. Evening availability is required as demand dictates at the start of each semester, with occasional evenings, early mornings, and Saturdays to facilitate workshops or meet deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
At least three years of professional experience in an exempt role within academic, social, or student services.
Familiarity with Federal Title IV programs and state and institutional financial aid regulations and procedures.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with campus and external stakeholders.
Ability to use discretion and integrity when handling sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to work independently on complex assignments, show initiative, and make sound decisions within established guidelines.
Proficiency in general office operations and computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
Proficiency with standard office equipment and tools, including personal computers, Teams/Zoom, multi-line phone systems, fax machines, and copiers.
Ability to work proficiently in a busy, multi-office work area and adapt to change.
Ability to work on campus in Winter Haven or Lakeland.
Availability for evening work as demand dictates at the start of each semester, and occasional evenings, early mornings, and Saturdays.
Must provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States; the College does not provide employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in financial aid.
Previous experience with Banner SAAS, Insights, and Degree Works.

Responsibilities

Coordinate financial aid functions to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
Determine and certify student eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other financial aid programs.
Review and process financial aid applications and resolve verification requirements, C-Codes, conflicting information, and ISIR comment codes.
Verify student enrollment status and enrollment changes in a timely manner.
Audit student financial aid files for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Collaborate with the Business Office on accurate disbursement, reconciliation, and adjustment of financial aid funds.
Calculate and process Return of Title IV (R2T4) funds for students who withdraw, including required notifications, adjustments, and reporting.
Monitor and resolve Federal Pell Grant overpayments, coordinating with students, Federal Student Aid, and internal departments as appropriate.
Manage and reconcile the Pell Multiple Reporting Record process, review concurrent enrollment data, and resolve conflicting enrollment information.
Support Cohort Default Rate management through loan-default prevention activities, borrower counseling, delinquency monitoring, and outreach.
Monitor and resolve issues identified through Banner, federal systems, and financial aid exception reports.
Maintain complete and accurate student records and supporting documentation in accordance with retention requirements.
Design and facilitate outreach initiatives, workshops, presentations, orientations, and informational sessions about financial aid.
Serve as a liaison between students and the Business Office to resolve billing, payment, refund, and financial aid account concerns.
Participate in professional development, conferences, and training to remain current on regulations, programs, and systems.
Respond professionally and courteously to student, parent, faculty, and staff inquiries, generally within two business days.
Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Services, the Business Office, faculty, and staff to support institutional goals and student success.
Represent the College publicly by providing information and guidance about workshops, classes, and educational opportunities.
Design, update, and maintain forms, brochures, and related materials.
Perform other job-related duties, administrative functions, and special projects as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Student Financial Services and/or the Director of Student Financial Services.