Specialist - Scholarships

Kilgore College • Kilgore, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for managing the institution’s comprehensive scholarship program and communicating essential information related to the full financial aid process. It requires strong knowledge of federal, state, and institutional aid programs and regular collaboration across campus. The position involves extensive daily interaction with students, parents, high school counselors, administrators, external partners, and Kilgore College faculty and staff, demanding exceptional communication and customer-service skills. Comprehensive counseling is provided in person, by phone, or via email regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, program options, need analysis, and the cost of attendance. The Specialist will also support the Director of Financial Aid and play an integral part in fulfilling the mission of the institution by preparing students for success in life.

Requirements

• Associate degree. Extensive related work experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Excellent customer service and computer skills required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to handle high level of stress.

Nice To Haves

• Will need to work some evenings or weekends during Registration and some Saturdays during the summer for KC Star Days.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and awarding scholarships, waivers, and exemptions per federal & state guidelines.
• Preparing and organizing scholarship rosters for committee decisions.
• Scheduling Scholarship Committee meetings.
• Reviewing student accounts for renewed eligibility per term.
• Working with other staff, faculty, students, parents, and the community.
• Assisting with FAFSA completion and attending high school recruiting events.
• Managing the institution’s comprehensive scholarship program and communicating essential information related to the full financial aid process.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of all financial aid processes and awarding all institutional scholarships, state exemptions, waivers, and outside agency scholarships for eligible students.
• Preparing and managing scholarship award packages in compliance with state, institutional, departmental, and federal guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation and regulatory adherence.
• Overseeing the Regent Scholarship software, creating and configuring new academic years, and submitting support tickets to Regent Technical Staff to resolve system issues or discrepancies.
• Ensuring the new scholarship application within the Regent system is fully created, tested, and operational by January 1st each year.
• Participating in college recruitment and outreach efforts, including high school FAFSA events and other Kilgore College–sponsored programs.
• Preparing and submitting weekly reports and monthly scholarship reconciliations to the Director.
• Collaborating closely with the Kilgore College Foundation and the Scholarship Committee, gathering required information, scheduling meetings, and updating scholarship fund amounts in Power FAIDS and Regent based on Foundation data.
• Collaborating and meeting regularly with the Kilgore College Foundation to ensure scholarship funds are properly allocated and awarded to the fullest extent possible, maximizing 100% utilization of available funding.
• Overseeing the administration and distribution of athletic scholarship awards in compliance with institutional policies and current governing regulations.
• Collaborating regularly with athletic coaches and departmental staff to review scholarship allocations, verify student-athlete eligibility, and ensure equitable and strategic awarding practices.
• Validating, compiling, and maintaining up-to-date lists used to determine eligibility for Institutional Competitive Waivers.
• Working daily in the Regent Scholarship software, updating student records, correcting data, packaging awards, and maintaining scholarship applications and Thank You Letters within Regent and PF.
• Performing additional duties as assigned, including supporting office operations during peak processing periods, registration, and special events.
• Attending and maintaining professional conduct while attending staff meetings and college sponsored events.
• Attending necessary training and development to remain current in the field, as required.
• Acting as liaison for the financial aid office, with excellent public relation skills in answering daily questions.

Benefits

• 36-hour work week for a healthy work life balance
• Generous paid leave time
• Health, life, and income protection insurance
• An excellent retirement program through the Teacher Retirement System
• Full Time employees have free use of the college’s recreational/fitness facilities
• Full Time employees are eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) after 10 years of service
• Tuition scholarships are for the employee and dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree