Financial Aid Coordinator

University of Illinois Springfield•Springfield, IL

About The Position

The Financial Aid Coordinator advises undergraduate students and participates in the processing and administration of Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid programs. The coordinator provides counseling and customer service to applicants and their families by phone, email, in person, and through virtual visits. The role includes awarding and monitoring financial aid, administering athletic and Teacher Education aid, processing eligibility documentation, and helping students resolve financial aid issues. The coordinator also maintains financial aid materials and consumer information, participates in student events and campus committees, and completes other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Three years (36 months) total from college coursework in any discipline and/or work experience coordinating office, business, or customer service/relations activities. Coursework is credited according to the stated conversion table: 30 semester hours equals 12 months; an associate’s degree equals 18 months; 90 semester hours equals 24 months; and a bachelor’s degree equals 36 months.
One year (12 months) of higher education, student services, or closely related experience.
Knowledge of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid regulations concerning packaging and disbursement of aid, refund disbursement, and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Knowledge of the student application process.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word, and other computer programs.
Customer service, oral communication, and written communication skills.
Time-management and work-organization skills, including the ability to respond quickly and effectively to challenges.
Ability to interpret and apply internal and government policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Banner student financial aid software.

Responsibilities

Counsel and advise undergraduate students about financial aid programs, availability, and eligibility.
Review and award undergraduate financial aid applications in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
Enter data and track financial aid awards in the Banner System.
Meet with students and parents virtually, in person, and by phone.
Administer athletic aid, including awarding and tracking aid; coordinating with Athletics Compliance; processing renewals, certifications, and cancellations; entering data into NCAA Compliance Assistant; and responding to student-athlete and coach questions.
Process and monitor verification and other documentation required to establish aid eligibility.
Package summer aid, satisfy tracking requirements, resolve financial aid holds, communicate difficult situations to students and parents, and conduct follow-up as needed.
Administer Teacher Education programs, including awarding and certifying aid, communicating with students and School of Education faculty, and resolving issues.
Edit the financial aid website, create and update forms, and revise materials to meet digital accessibility requirements and financial aid consumer-information regulations.
Resolve over-awards, adjust budgets, reduce or return funds as needed, and process Student Account Payment Requests.
Participate in events and presentations for current and prospective students, including new student orientations and open houses.
Participate in training and professional development and represent the financial aid office on campus groups or committees as delegated.
Perform other related duties as assigned.