Manager/ Financial Aid Counseling

Louisiana State University•Letterkenny Township, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Financial Aid Counseling position within Louisiana State University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will play a key collaborative role in advancing the university and meeting the student access objectives. Management of the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program that includes processing and problem resolution. These programs include Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Programs, the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan program for parents of undergraduate students, and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan program. Responsibilities also include other private loan programs. Loan volume in all programs total approximately $170,000,000. The Manager also serves as liaison with the Department of Education as well as lenders and other external agencies in administering the Stafford, PLUS, and private loan programs. Financial Aid Counseling (60%) Direct supervision of financial aid counselors/coordinators which includes oversight of all activities related to the awarding of Federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs including selection, renewal, cancellation, and over award situations related to these programs. Oversees special programs including Americorps, the START Savings Program, consortium agreements, and certain fee waiver programs. Counsels and advises prospective and enrolled students in all matters pertaining to federal and state financial aid programs, including but not limited to Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, TEACH Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Direct Loan Programs. This interaction may include phone, in-person, or written contacts. The employee must be accurate in describing financial aid policies, criteria and procedures. Individual must be responsive to prospective students’ concerns and needs by providing excellent customer service. Responsible for assisting students in resolving problems associated with the application processes for federal and state programs, the electronic loan transmission process and the correction process. Evaluates and processes requests for “special circumstances” and “petitions for independent status” presented by students in determining eligibility for the federal programs. Financial Aid Operations (30%) Responsible for creating training manuals and conducting training sessions for financial aid counseling staff. Responsible for monthly reconciliation of all loan programs. Assist with the implementation of changes in office policies and procedures resulting from all regulatory changes as it relates to the awarding of federal, state and institutional financial aid. Also, assists with office planning, development and implementation of new policies, procedures, programs and automated systems. Coordinates notification to students in an incomplete status for whom funds have been received to resolve this status. Assists with the maintenance of the office Policies and Procedures manual. Serves as a rotating member of the satisfactory academic progress appeals committee. Aid in the retention of students through direct outreach to at risk populations, providing students with a thorough understanding of resources and polices. Coordinates student success teams and tracking of student success teams goals. Special projects as assigned (10%) Serves as management liaison to the call center to ensure continuous reception, phone coverage, and e-mail responses for office. Acts as liaison to the Office of Bursar Operations regarding all loan funds received for disbursement. Including, but not limited to assigned committees and outreach projects. Represent LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management at professional functions and recruiting events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Three years of experience working in financial aid or equivalent customer service setting.
Must not be in default on student loans.
LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of best practices in financial aid
Strong team orientation, effective interpersonal skills, and superior written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision-making, including effective analytical skills and proven results in achieving objectives and goals.

Responsibilities

Management of the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program that includes processing and problem resolution.
Serves as liaison with the Department of Education as well as lenders and other external agencies in administering the Stafford, PLUS, and private loan programs.
Direct supervision of financial aid counselors/coordinators which includes oversight of all activities related to the awarding of Federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs including selection, renewal, cancellation, and over award situations related to these programs.
Oversees special programs including Americorps, the START Savings Program, consortium agreements, and certain fee waiver programs.
Counsels and advises prospective and enrolled students in all matters pertaining to federal and state financial aid programs
Responsible for assisting students in resolving problems associated with the application processes for federal and state programs, the electronic loan transmission process and the correction process.
Evaluates and processes requests for “special circumstances” and “petitions for independent status” presented by students in determining eligibility for the federal programs.
Responsible for creating training manuals and conducting training sessions for financial aid counseling staff.
Responsible for monthly reconciliation of all loan programs.
Assist with the implementation of changes in office policies and procedures resulting from all regulatory changes as it relates to the awarding of federal, state and institutional financial aid.
Assists with office planning, development and implementation of new policies, procedures, programs and automated systems.
Coordinates notification to students in an incomplete status for whom funds have been received to resolve this status.
Assists with the maintenance of the office Policies and Procedures manual.
Serves as a rotating member of the satisfactory academic progress appeals committee.
Aid in the retention of students through direct outreach to at risk populations, providing students with a thorough understanding of resources and polices.
Coordinates student success teams and tracking of student success teams goals.
Serves as management liaison to the call center to ensure continuous reception, phone coverage, and e-mail responses for office.
Acts as liaison to the Office of Bursar Operations regarding all loan funds received for disbursement.
Represent LSU and the Office of Enrollment Management at professional functions and recruiting events.

Benefits

LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

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