FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST & OUTREACH

Spartanburg Methodist College • Spartanburg, SC

55d

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist serves as the initial point of contact for students and families, providing guidance on financial aid processes and assisting with applications and document intake. This position manages communications, schedules appointments, and supports the Financial Aid Office's front-facing operations. In addition, the Specialist coordinates outreach initiatives, including FAFSA completion events, high school visits, and community presentations, to promote financial aid awareness and access. The role requires a strong understanding of financial aid programs and policies, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to ensure excellent service and regulatory compliance. A commitment to excellence is essential.

Requirements

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and efficiency in recordkeeping.
• Ability to work well with individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with members of the college community and members of the public.
• Ability to work independently to perform assigned tasks.
• Demonstrated public presentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel
• Willingness to work evening hours and weekends as needed.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in higher education preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience with Ellucian Colleague, Technolutions Slate, and/or NextGen Dynamic Forms.
• Preferred experience with Department of Education's FAFSA Partner Connect and related sites such as COD, NSLDS, and FAFSA Partner Portal.
• Knowledge of South Carolina state aid is preferred, but not a requirement.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial point of contact for all visitors to the Financial Aid Office. Triage inquiries and direct students, families, and visitors to the appropriate staff or office. Assist applicants with completing the FAFSA, scholarship forms, and other required documentation. Deliver exceptional customer service by answering questions, guiding visitors, and addressing general inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Plan and coordinate events, including FAFSA nights, high school visits, and other outreach initiatives. Provide presentations, guidance, and support to students and families throughout Spartanburg County schools. Assist with other enrollment events and outreach initiatives to support student engagement and promote financial aid awareness.
• Manage Slate communications for events, including email campaigns and text messaging, ensuring accurate distribution and follow-up.
• Manage office communications, including phone calls, voicemail, emails, and text messages, ensuring they are routed promptly to the appropriate staff member. Maintain professional and courteous interactions at all times.
• Schedule and manage appointments, coordinating meetings for students, families, and staff as needed.
• Receive and review financial aid documents for completeness and accuracy. Ensure proper organization and routing of documents to the appropriate staff for further processing.
• Serve as a point of contact for outside agencies, including S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Social Services, and other relevant organizations, providing requested information and support.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the overall operations and goals of the Financial Aid Office.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees