Financial Aid Coordinator

Cape Fear Community College•Wilmington - Downtown Campus, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Aid Coordinator assists in the administration of federal, state, institutional, and scholarship financial aid programs. This position provides high-quality customer service to students, families, faculty, and staff while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. The Financial Aid Coordinator supports student success through accurate processing, counseling, and communication regarding financial aid eligibility and procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities as they apply to a financial aid office.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, college and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations governing financial aid programs.
Knowledge of Federal software and web-based financial aid products, (such as FSA, NSLDS, COD).
Knowledge of computer database applications including, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and document imaging systems.
Knowledge of record keeping and reporting procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional policies.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
Demonstrate commitment to student success and equity in access to education.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive records.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, reading and writing, communicating with others, operating assigned equipment, and handling varied tasks simultaneously.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include standing or sitting for extended periods of time, operating assigned equipment, handling varied tasks simultaneously, and bending, stooping, climbing, or lifting up to 50 pounds.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions, responding to questions, and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
An Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Two years of increasingly responsible experience in Higher Education in the areas of Student Services or Financial Aid.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, accounting, or public administration
Experience working in a college or university financial aid office.
Familiarity with Title IV regulations and compliance requirements.
Experience using Ellucian Colleague or similar student information systems.
Experience with financial aid processing systems such as COD, NSLDS, or StudentAid.gov.

Responsibilities

Provide accurate guidance and counseling to students and families regarding financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
Review and process financial aid applications and supporting documentation in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and donor requirements.
Determine and monitor student eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and other financial assistance programs.
Resolve issues related to verification, conflicting information, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), professional judgment, over awards, and enrollment changes.
Maintain compliance with all applicable federal Title IV regulations, state guidelines, institutional policies, and accreditation standards.
Process corrections, adjustments, and revisions to student financial aid records as needed.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and institutional procedures.
Utilize institutional systems and software to review, update, and manage student financial aid information.
Communicate effectively and in a timely manner, with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies regarding financial aid matters.
Assist with outreach activities including orientations, workshops, recruitment events, and financial literacy initiatives.
Collaborate with other campus departments to support enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.
Assist with reconciliation, reporting, audit preparation, and program reviews as assigned.
Remain current on financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices through ongoing professional development.
Provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
Flexibility to visit other campuses
Perform other related duties as assigned.