Financial Aid Specialist

Rice University•Houston, TX

11h•$56,000 - $61,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Specialist impacts the graduate student experience at Rice by ensuring the efficient, accurate, and strategic administration of graduate financial aid (excluding loans) for more than 1,700 students. The position oversees the full lifecycle of internal and external funding by tracking, distributing, and monitoring financial aid awards that directly support graduate education and research. In addition, this role contributes to seasonal initiatives within the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, including recruitment efforts, orientation programming, and commencement activities. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills as well as a high level of attention to detail and organization. Success in this role requires clear, confident communication and the ability to collaborate and work seamlessly with GPS colleagues, central administrative partners, graduate programs, and academic schools to support students and uphold Rice’s commitment to excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
5+ years’ experience in an administrative role
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to exercise tact and discretion when working with students and staff
Expertise in counseling and working with students individually; ability to provide excellent customer service in difficult situations
Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage time and workflow, and manage multiple, concurrent high-priority projects in a time-pressured environment
Demonstrated understanding and ability to explain University policy to others; detailed knowledge of financial aid regulations and university processes
Thorough understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including how they are applied within the assigned functional area and other areas within the office
Knowledge of multiple financial aid systems, AdobeSign, Windows-based environment, and Office applications, specifically MS Access and Excel
Ability to collaborate with departments across campus to gather and process information
Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain and manage financial records

Nice To Haves

Experience working with financial transactions
Experience working with international students
Experience in higher education

Responsibilities

Analyzes and communicates complex financial and other pertinent information to students and administrators
Reviews a variety of reports to research transaction history, identify changes, or reconcile data in financial systems
Maintains a cohesive relationship with the Office of Financial Aid, working closely to assist students
Processes aid for effective allocation of grant and institutional resources
Manages the Medical Insurance Subsidy process for doctoral students and collaborates with the Bursar and Student Insurance Offices to ensure proper application to student accounts
Advises students on processes and policies related to external funding, including grants and fellowships
Works directly with students to facilitate solutions and resolve complex issues regarding their financial aid
Maintains organized records for efficiency in reporting and problem-solving
Performs all other duties as assigned
Ensures the accurate and timely posting of graduate student tuition waivers, grant-funded awards, and locally funded special awards
Coordinates with student records staff to adjust and maintain student accounts based on enrollment status
Ensures compliance with university and funding agency guidelines
Creates and maintains informational documents to assist graduate students in understanding their aid and reading their student accounts
Creates and maintains process documents to assist staff supporting graduate students
Coordinates the dissemination of information related to student financial aid, payroll, taxes, and insurance to appropriate parties
Compiles required reporting documents for fellowships and grants housed in Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Conducts audits, reviews, and updates processes to ensure accuracy and efficiency; identifies and resolves issues
Provides ad hoc support and promotes proactive training to relevant administrators
This individual may also assist with seasonal activities in the GPS Office, including recruiting, commencement events, and orientation