One Stop Scholarship Specialist-GEAR UP

Eastern New Mexico University, Roswell Campus•Portales, NM

48d

About The Position

The following is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This list of duties is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all the functions and responsibilities performed. NOTE: This position is funded through an external grant. Continued employment beyond the fiscal year is contingent upon continued funding. THIS POSITION IS EXPECTED TO END ON 8/31/2026. Position Summary: This position is responsible for tracking and awarding scholarships funded by the State of New Mexico and the GEAR UP Grant to eligible students in accordance with state legislation and institutional policies. Plays a key role in the overall scholarship management process. Provides high-quality, one-stop service to students, visitors, faculty, and staff by sharing accurate information about admissions, advising, financial aid, registration, and other Student Services processes, while also performing essential back-office functions within the Financial Aid Office. This position reports to the Director, Financial Aid.

Requirements

Associate's degree, or three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working with students and/or the general public in a customer service environment.
Proficient in operating current technology utilized by the department, including Microsoft Office, Banner, WebXtender, telephones, fax machines, copiers, scanners, and computers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues.
Excellent customer service skills and a strong customer service orientation.
Ability to manage interpersonal conflict situations with tact, diplomacy, discretion, and a positive attitude.
Ability to interact effectively with diverse student populations and a wide range of coworkers.
Ability to multitask, remain solution-oriented and detail-focused, and demonstrate strong critical thinking skills.
Ability to read, interpret, and accurately apply rules and regulations.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a friendly and courteous demeanor.
Understand and effectively communicate complex governmental regulations and systems related to financial aid, financial services, admissions and registration.

Responsibilities

Responsible for awarding, tracking, and reconciling the GEAR UP Grant Scholarship.
Receive, deposit, and disburse scholarship funds in accordance with scholarship-specific and institutional requirements.
Maintain a strong working relationship with the Business Office.
Ensure accurate recordkeeping for all scholarship funds and maintain proper documentation for funds received and disbursed to students.
Stay current with all updates and changes to GEAR UP Grant guidelines, including award amounts and policy revisions.
Respond to telephone inquiries and assist with maintaining office files, procedures, and general clerical duties.
Utilize the Banner Financial Aid system for processing and record-keeping related to GEAR UP scholarships.
Participate in financial aid workshops for college classes and area high schools.
Support daily operations of the Financial Aid Department and the One-Stop customer service model.
Provide assistance to other staff while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Create an atmosphere of effective, efficient, friendly and reliable service, offering easy access to credible information.
Serve as the first point of contact for new students and community members, providing information on academic programs, enrollment processes, and financial services.
Assist students with registration activities, including understanding course offerings, adding, dropping, waitlisting, auditing and withdrawing from courses.
Provide information regarding residency requirements.
Assist students with online services.
Screen and schedule appointments for advisors, financial aid staff, and other division personnel.
Guide prospective students in determining appropriate entry level, completing admission documents, and meeting college requirements.
Refer students and visitors to appropriate college personnel per established protocol.
Assist in developing and updating policies and procedures, ensuring the procedures manual is current.
Ensure all activities comply with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Perform duties in accordance with established practices and standards, ensuring safety and efficiency with minimal supervision.
Support campus events (e.g., orientations; on-campus and off-campus open registration, college fairs, commencement) and assist with special projects, as needed.
Collaborate with students, parents and college staff to explain admissions and registration processes and requirements.
Provide information to students and parents about admissions and records, including academic standing, transcript requirements, and residency policies.
Assist students with the admissions process, including applying for admission, requesting transcripts, registering for courses, and updating personal information (e.g., address, phone number, academic major).
Distribute and assist with the completion of necessary admissions and records forms, either in person, online, or via telephone.