Texas A&M University - Galveston, TX
posted about 1 month ago
About the position
The mission of Scholarships & Financial Aid is to provide students and their families with information and financial resources to attend Texas A&M University, along with support programs that promote higher education and developmental opportunities. We administer scholarships and financial aid, which include the following programs: grants, student loans, student employment, veteran educational benefits, athletic aid coordination, short-term loans, and emergency tuition and fee loans. In addition, our office provides advising on the programs listed above. Our office also assists students in gaining financial literacy knowledge through our Money Education Center. Our office is responsible for processing student aid and veteran educational benefits for College Station, Galveston, all Health Science Center sites and Qatar which totaled approximately $836 million in financial aid assistance for the prior academic year.
Responsibilities
- Uses discretion and independent judgment to advise and counsel students, parents, and/or prospective students in solving their educational financial problems through scholarships, loans, grants, employment and financial counseling.
- Responds to questions and counseling needs in-person and by written, phone, and email from currently enrolled students, prospective students and parents.
- Assists outreach staff with prospective students and in their transition to current TAMU students.
- Performs reviews for professional judgment of student files, making adjustments as needed.
- Reviews Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals and makes decisions regarding the validity of these appeals.
- Serves as occasional scheduled Phone Queue agent and assists with coverage of front counter in the main reception area of department.
- Conducts on and off-campus presentations, seminars, and/or workshops for students and possibly for professional development training.
- Provides loan and indebtedness counseling to students on an individual and group basis.
- Awards, revises and/or approves the awarding of financial aid through the specific controls of program policy and guidelines.
- Provides assistance and guidance to other financial aid staff to ensure that processing activities adhere to established policies and procedures.
- Conducts on- and off-campus financial aid presentations, seminars, and/or workshops for students and possibly for professional development training.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- One year in financial aid, scholarships, student employment, student veterans services or related experience.
- Knowledge of financial aid counseling, verification, rules and regulations.
- Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs.
- Ability to work individually or as a team in a dynamic organization.
- Good interpersonal communication, oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines and maintain a high level of accuracy, professionalism and a customer service orientation.
- Ability to organize and make decisions and use tact, diplomacy and judgment in dealing with all customers.
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Nice-to-haves
- Two or more years in student financial aid or advising experience at a college level.
- Management and supervisory skills.
- Some professional experience in a higher education setting.
- Professional experience in a role related to student advising, recruitment, counseling or student affairs.
- Background in general office conditions with much time spent in contact with students.
- Demonstrated written communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Knowledge of current versions of Microsoft products, including Windows and Office.
- Knowledge of Financial Aid or Student Information Systems.
- Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
- Ability to develop and make presentations.
- Knowledge and experience in an enrollment management area focusing on outreach and/or retention.
- Certified Financial Advisor or Accredited Financial Counselor.
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
- Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
- Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.
- Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
- Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.
