Default Management Specialist

Porter & Chester Instit•Rocky Hill, CT

About The Position

The Default Management Specialist supports current and former students as they manage federal student loan obligations and helps the institution maintain compliance with federal regulations and default prevention initiatives. The role combines student counseling, financial aid-related administrative processes, outreach, and coordination with campus staff, lenders, servicers, guaranty agencies, and internal departments. The specialist provides guidance on repayment options and related matters, manages loan counseling outreach, supports exit counseling, conducts pre-claim activities, monitors borrower statuses, maintains enrollment records in NSLDS, assists with cohort default rate appeals, processes Return to Title IV calculations, and maintains default management systems. The role also requires staying current on federal regulations and compliance requirements through ongoing training and taking on additional projects as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum 2 years of related work experience.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Computer proficiency, including experience with databases and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Relevant post-secondary education or training.
Experience working with student loans, financial aid, higher education, or regulatory compliance.
Familiarity with federal student aid programs and loan servicing processes.

Responsibilities

Counsel students and graduates on federal student loan repayment options, budgeting, deferments, and forbearances.
Generate and manage loan counseling outreach campaigns through letters, email communications, and phone calls.
Assist campus staff with conducting exit counseling interviews before graduation.
Provide required exit counseling materials to withdrawn students within established timelines.
Contact lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies to resolve student loan issues and support student success.
Conduct pre-claim activities, including borrower outreach, lender communication, and status tracking.
Monitor and communicate with students in active repayment, grace, and pre-claim statuses.
Review and update enrollment information in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
Assist with appeals related to Draft and Official Cohort Default Rate data.
Process Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations accurately and within regulatory deadlines.
Initiate withdrawal and refund communications with students and internal departments.
Maintain default management databases and related software systems.
Stay current on federal regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices through ongoing training.
Collaborate with third-party servicers and internal departments to support institutional default prevention goals.
Perform additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.