Coordinator - Financial Aid

Tennessee Board of Regents•Chattanooga, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is the primary point of contact for the Early College Office and TCAT-Dual Enrollment Coordinator on campus. The Coordinator is responsible for the administration for state grants: Dual Enrollment Grant, Middle College Scholarship; and institutionally funded grants and TBR Grants: DE PLUS, Micro College Sophomore Scholarship, Collegiate High Scholarship. This includes verification of application and eligibility, calculation of award amounts and adjustments, monitoring of enrollment and engagement, and certification and reconciliation of award payments. The Coordinator serves as the liaison with state agencies (THEC/TSAC) and utilizes the FAST student information system for downloading eligibility reports, updating eligibility data, certifying award payments, and making payment adjustments. In addition, the role maintains extensive knowledge of state eligibility, and college financial aid requirements, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Must possess at least an Associate’s Degree in a related field, such as Accounting, Finance, Business, or Education
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other commonly used office applications
Extensive experience working in a finance, customer service, or educational setting, preferably at a postsecondary institution
Comfortable working in a stressful, fast-paced environment with a high level of sensitivity towards confidentiality and working with a diverse student population
Demonstrated skills in basic accounting and clerical functions
Effective time management and prioritization of job demands
Attention to detail and understanding of data analysis, mathematical & financial computations, and identifying/resolving data discrepancies
Ability to work collaboratively and establish positive, productive working relationships
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Demonstrates continuous learning and improvement in knowledge of and compliance with state regulations, technical processes, and professional development
Works independently, with minimal supervision, meets goals and deadlines, is self-directed and seeks innovative ways to perform job responsibilities efficiently and effectively

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s preferred
Prefer experience working with a student information system, such as Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, or PeopleSoft.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary liaison between Early College, TCAT-Dual, and Office of Financial Aid
Daily monitoring of award applications, eligibility changes, registration, engagement, and academic progress with timely responses to and communications with dual enrolled students and parents (within FERPA guidelines)
Builds positive working relationships with colleagues in other Chatt State offices, Early College Offices, Recruiting and Orientation Office, and other staff and faculty on campus.
Advise students and families and answer questions related to aid eligibility requirements, missing or incomplete documentation, and aid status for all types of students as part of the Financial Aid Office’s customer service rotation.
Ensure accurate administration of state and institutional financial aid funds in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Monitor fund expenditures and reconcile accounts regularly to prevent over-awards, aid discrepancies, or compliance risks.
Adheres to consistent, accurate policies, procedures, and processes for awarding students, making award adjustments, and evaluating eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
Develops and adheres to consistent, transparent business practices, both within the Financial Aid Office and in collaboration with outside offices, for accurate fund reconciliation, monitoring of award payments/adjustments, and requests or returns of state funds.
Collaborates with Early College for proactive outreach and engagement of students
Establishes clear communication channels with students, faculty, staff, and outside agencies
Coordinate with other Financial Aid staff to maintain constant coverage of escalations and emails from other offices on campus
Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and respectful team culture focused on shared goals, continuous improvement, and high-quality student service.
Engage in ongoing professional development
Monitor attendance and eligibility requirements for all dual enrollment students
Provide input regarding compliance and processing
Develop innovative approaches to ensure ongoing compliance with state and institutional regulations.
Evaluate changes in financial aid regulations and adjust internal processes to maintain compliance while optimizing operational efficiency.
Other duties as assigned.