Financial Aid Specialist

DORDT UNIVERSITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:              Financial Aid Specialist

DEPARTMENT:       Financial Aid 

REPORTS TO:         Director of Financial Aid

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Responsible for assisting the Director and Financial Aid to perform financial aid counseling and education, preparation of financial aid packages and other administrative processes to support prospective and current students of Dordt University. This position will provide high-quality customer service and education to students, families, faculty and staff while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

• Process and maintain records pertaining to Federal and State funded programs.

• Assist with preparation of financial aid offers for students seeking financial aid.

• Responsible for preparing Graduate program financial aid packages.

• Provide information, education and advice to students and parents regarding financial aid matters.

• Create, maintain, and present financial aid slide deck for use with the students or parents in a group setting.

• Respond professionally and empathetically to phone calls and emails from students and parents with questions about financial aid.

• Utilize institutional systems and software to review, update, and manage student financial aid information.

• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies regarding financial aid matters.

• Collaborate with other campus departments to support enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.

• Provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.

• Maintain student files with discretion and attention to detail.

• Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• A clear understanding and commitment to the Reformed perspective and mission of Dordt University and ability to clearly articulate and communicate the mission effectively.

• Ability to express an active Christian commitment, which shall include identification with a local organized church that holds to the beliefs that are consistent with the mission of the university.

• Prospective members of the Dordt University community are expected to agree with its sexuality, gender identity, and sexual conduct policy which can be found on the DU website (contact the HR Office if you need additional information).

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 2 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

• Intermediate to strong math and accounting skills for balancing Financial Aid rosters and totaling student awards.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships that build collaboration with other departments across campus. 

• Strong computer skills desired, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), and database applications.

• Excellent oral communication, interpersonal and writing skills.

• Attention to Detail within organizational skills for duties such as scheduling and facilitating meetings (internally and with students/parents) as well as auditing and maintaining highly detailed records.

• Ability to manage a budget and monitor spending programs and administer and explain policies and procedures.

• Ability to treat personal, sensitive information with high levels of confidentiality.

• Desire to work with prospective students who are high school age, as well as their families.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.