Financial Aid Analyst for Educational Loans

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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Financial Aid Analyst for Educational Loans within the Office of Financial Aid reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid Operations. This role is primarily responsible for the administration and management of educational loan programs (Federal Direct Loans, private educational loans) as well as reconciliation of federal grant programs (Pell Grant, SEOG, TEACH) and Federal Work-Study. The candidate is also responsible for processing initial financial aid offers and managing financial wellness offerings for students at the College of Arts & Sciences, Graduate School, and Law School. The ideal candidate will possess experience in financial aid administration, with a strong understanding of federal regulations and loan origination processes. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing multiple tasks with tight deadlines, maintaining accuracy in financial records, providing excellent customer service to students and families, and staying current with changes in financial aid policies and technologies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Loan Administration and Counseling

• Educate student and parent borrowers on loan products, eligibility, and processes for securing funding.
• Develop and maintain web content related to federal student and parent loan programs and the loan request process.
• Respond to inquiries via phone and email, troubleshoot loan-related issues, and provide solutions.
• Originate Federal Direct Loans (Stafford, Parent PLUS) through the Ellucian Colleague system, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• Certify borrower eligibility and manage the certification process for private loans via the ELM portal.
• Facilitate loan returns when required or at the request of the borrower.
• Prepare loan summaries and exit packets for borrowers leaving the college.
• Coordinate loan repayment support and default management efforts, as needed.

Loan Disbursement and Compliance

• Monitor and process disbursements of Federal Stafford, Federal Parent PLUS, and private student loans to student accounts.
• Resolve issues preventing timely loan disbursement and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Notify borrowers of loan disbursements in compliance with federal requirements.

Reconciliation and Reporting

• Perform monthly and annual reconciliation of approximately $50 million in federal grants, Work-Study, and loan funds across multiple systems.
• Collaborate with the Business Office and Student and Departmental Account Services (SDAS) Office to ensure accurate reconciliation.
• Communicate with the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system to close processing years once reconciliations are accepted by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Perform regular reconciliation of private loan funds in coordination with the Business Office and SDAS.
• Calculate annual statistics on student loan indebtedness.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Evaluate and improve loan application, disbursement, and return processes based on technological advancements and regulatory changes.
• Research private lending options, including Bar-Study loans, and make recommendations for improved loan processing policies.
• Serve as chairperson of the Preferred Lender List committee every year.
• Liaise with private lenders to stay informed on changing services and offerings, providing staff with up-to-date information.

Process Initial Financial Aid Offers

• Regularly monitor multiple queues in Perceptive Content (Image Now) for files that need an initial financial aid offer to be processed and released.
• Run Colleague processes to generate financial aid offer letters in digital formats.

Promote Financial Wellness Activities

• Administer CashCourse financial wellness curriculum.
• Publicize CashCourse, AccessLex, Cohort Catalyst repayment assistance/management program, and other financial wellness program availability with student life staff and student body governments at all three schools.
• Arrange occasional presentations and workshops based on student demand. 

Serve as back-up to Administrative Assistant

• Supervise student workers and manage office phone and emails when Administrative Assistant is out of the office

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Proficient knowledge of higher education financial aid programs and related policies and regulations, including Title IV federal student aid programs (Federal Direct Loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG, Federal Work-Study), institutional financial aid programs, and private educational loan programs. 
• Proficient understanding of financial aid processes, including loan origination, disbursement, and reconciliation procedures.
• Knowledge of financial aid systems including Ellucian Colleague, ELM portal, and the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system for loan processing.
• Excellent understanding of financial aid application processes and award distribution including the application of federal and institutional policies to student aid eligibility.
• Excellent understanding and ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Docs, and other office technology to manage financial data, track disbursements, and communicate with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain complex financial aid topics clearly to students, families, and staff.
• Superior organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Extremely skilled in analyzing and troubleshooting loan-related issues and offering timely solutions.
• Proficient in using mathematical and analytical skills to reconcile large financial amounts accurately and efficiently.
• Excellent ability to work independently while adhering to established guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Superior ability to demonstrate attention to detail when processing loan applications and maintaining accurate records in Colleague and other systems.
• Extremely effective in advising and counseling students and families from diverse backgrounds on financial aid options, loan repayment options, and budgeting.
• Commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace by working effectively with diverse individuals and fostering an environment where all students and staff feel valued.
• Excellent customer service orientation, providing compassionate support to students and families while upholding institutional policies.
• Superior interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively with colleagues in the Financial Aid Office, Business Office, Student and Departmental Account Services Office, and other departments.
• Proficient in demonstrating professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive financial and personal information.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• At least 2 years of experience (work, education, or a combination of both) that is sufficient to demonstrate attention to detail, ability to adhere to deadlines and compliance requirements, effective working relationships, and strong customer service skills.
• Proficient with computer technology, including Windows, Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), Google suite of applications (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets), and internet conferencing systems such as Zoom.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

•  2 years of recent work experience at a higher education institution in the financial aid office or a closely related field, with responsibility for working with students, managing programmatic responsibilities, and/or coordinating aspects of Title IV financial aid or other related processes. 
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague (student information system), Perceptive Content/ImageNow (document imaging software), the Google suite of applications (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets), and Zoom 
• Completion of financial aid-related certifications (e.g., NASFAA or other industry-specific credentials).
• Spanish language proficiency (reading, writing, and speaking).

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time
• 37.5 hours/week
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Travel: occasional travel may be required for training purposes
• Hybrid/Remote possible depending on the needs of the office

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Hiring salary range expected to be $52,000-$55,000 with consideration for experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• General office environment
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer
• Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission.  We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws.  The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies.  Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance). 

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. 

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.