Institutional Student Financial Assistance Specialist

St. George's University•Great River, NY

6d•$46,000 - $56,409

About The Position

The Institutional Student Financial Assistance Specialist provides student-centered advising and operational support for Canadian financial assistance programs and institutional student loans. The Specialist guides students through eligibility, application, renewal, and repayment-related processes; reviews and processes documentation; supports financial assistance appeals; and coordinates with university colleagues to deliver accurate, timely, and professional service. The role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, discretion, and sensitivity to students’ financial challenges. The position primarily supports St. George’s University (SGU) and may support Rocky Vista University (RVU) in the future based on institutional needs. The Specialist advises Canadian students on federal and provincial financial assistance and institutional loan programs; assists with budgeting and financial planning; processes applications, renewals, and supporting documentation; maintains accurate confidential student records; and helps resolve incomplete or inconsistent applications. The role also guides students through international student financial assistance appeals, presents information at admissions events and webinars, collaborates with university departments, and supports the daily operations of the Institutional Student Financial Assistance Office. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 37.5 hours per week. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed during peak periods or to accommodate students in different time zones. Overtime requires approval under institutional policy and applicable law. Travel may be required for admissions events, student-facing initiatives, and other institutional activities. The anticipated salary is $46,000–$56,409 per year and may vary based on factors such as job knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Strong interpersonal, student counseling, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to interpret and apply detailed program guidelines, manage high volumes of documentation, and maintain accuracy.
Strong organizational, quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize competing deadlines, work collaboratively, and provide responsive service in a fast-paced environment.
Confidence presenting information to individuals and groups.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365.
Commitment to confidentiality, attention to detail, and high-quality student service.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of financial aid or scholarship administration experience preferred.
Familiarity with Banner or comparable student information systems.

Responsibilities

Advise Canadian students on applicable federal and provincial financial assistance programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and renewals.
Counsel eligible students on institutional student loan requirements, applications, renewals, financial obligations, and available repayment information.
Assist students with budgeting, financial planning, and understanding their financial obligations to the University.
Review changes in student enrollment or curriculum and coordinate appropriate adjustments to student budgets and financial assistance.
Review and process Canadian financial assistance applications and supporting documentation accurately and within established timelines.
Process institutional student loan applications and term-by-term renewals, verify documentation, coordinate eligibility determinations with appropriate colleagues, and complete loan origination activities.
Maintain accurate student records and documentation in applicable systems, following established procedures and confidentiality requirements.
Identify incomplete or inconsistent applications, communicate outstanding requirements, and follow through to resolution.
Guide students through the international student financial assistance appeals process, including counseling, application review, collection of supporting documentation, and presentation of appeals to the appropriate committee.
Present institutional student financial assistance information at admissions events, student information sessions, and webinars.
Collaborate with Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, and other university departments to facilitate accurate and timely information exchange and resolve student issues.
Support daily operations of the Institutional Student Financial Assistance Office, including administrative activities, service requests, and peak-period initiatives.
Provide coverage for core functions as needed to ensure uninterrupted service to applicants and students.
Perform other duties and special projects assigned by leadership.
Work occasional evenings or weekends during peak periods or to accommodate students in different time zones, as needed.
Travel as required for admissions events, student-facing initiatives, and other institutional activities.