Financial Aid Program Specialist / Lead Financial Aid Program Specialist

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How to Apply

When applying for this position, please upload your resume and cover letter on a single document.

Job Summary

The position manages and oversees federal, state, private, and institutional financial aid and scholarship programs. This role ensures strict compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations and provides high-quality support to support the mission of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, reflecting the University of Michigan - Dearborn values.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) is one of the three campuses of the University of Michigan. UM-Dearborn is a comprehensive university offering high-quality undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education to southeastern Michigan residents, enrolling over 8,000 students. Faculty and students can collaborate in research and scholarly activity across all three campuses. UM-Dearborn is located ten miles west of Detroit and thirty-five miles east of Ann Arbor. The campus is strategically located on 200 suburban acres of the original Henry Ford Estate in the Greater Detroit Metropolitan region.

Responsibilities*

Program Administration:

• Oversee and process federal, state, private, scholarship programs and institutional financial aid.

• Administer and reconcile financial aid funds.

• Transmit and maintain records such as entrance loan counseling and Master Promissory Notes.

• Compile data and prepare reports for external donors and organizations.

• Maintain the Scholarship Universe platform and manage private scholarship applications.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Perform monthly reconciliations with the Financial Services department.

• Review over-award and compliance reports, making necessary adjustments.

• Evaluate and analyze financial and personal documentation submitted by aid applicants.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional guidelines and regulations, including IRS 1040 filing regulations.

• Conduct transfer monitoring functions and ensure compliance by reviewing response reports.

Customer Service and Support:

• Serve as the primary contact for OFAS staff and other departments regarding program administration.

• Coordinate projects to deliver high-quality service to diverse student populations.

• Determine aid eligibility using analytical tools and professional discretion.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to disbursement and awarding records.

Professional Development and Representation:

• Stay current with federal, state, and institutional policies by attending professional development and training opportunities.

• Represent the university and the Office of Financial Aid at conferences, and training sessions.

• Participate in special projects and office initiatives as directed.

Key additional responsibilities at the Lead Financial Aid Specialist:

Database and System and Operational Improvements Management:

• Lead efforts to identify, scope, and implement operational financial aid system enhancements

• Assist with system testing, setup, and maintenance

Special Projects and Policy Development:

• Assist in developing and implementing new procedures, policies, forms, and manuals.

• Participate in office initiatives and special projects as directed.

Supervision and Training:

• Supervise student workers, including performance monitoring and guidance.

• Assist leadership in creating and implementing comprehensive training plans for student workers.

• Support professional development opportunities for student workers.

Skills You Have

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Title IV financial aid regulations and programs preferred.

• Ability to work with diverse populations.

• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to independently identify issues, proactively develop solutions, and drive initiatives to completion.

• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and attention to detail skills.

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and enthusiasm, as well as respect for individuals.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to manage customers with high expectations.

• Experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented office environment.

• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service.

Required Qualifications*

Minimum Qualifications at the Financial Aid Program Specialist Level:

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience is required.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial aid.

• Knowledge of Title IV federal regulations preferred.

• Extensive experience with integrated database systems (Ellucian Banner preferred) and document imaging systems (ImageNow preferred).

• Experience working with diverse populations required.

• Excellent ability to collect, compile, and analyze information and data.

• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Proven ability to work independently while identifying and resolving complex problems.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict resolution and public speaking.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all applicant financial and eligibility information.

• Must not be in Default or Overpayment in any Title IV Federal Programs (Pell, Loans, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications at the Lead Level:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial aid, IT, or a related field.

• Experience with setting up financial modules within student information systems.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing process improvement initiatives to automate core financial aid processes.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience with Banner student information system and other Ellucian Student Financial Success Products (Scholarship Universe, Student Forms, Campus Communicator, etc.).

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualification of the selected candidate.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

257738

Working Title

Financial Aid Program Specialist / Lead Financial Aid Program Specialist

Job Title

Program Manager

Work Location

Dearborn Campus

Dearborn, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Dbn Enrlmt Mgmt

Department

Dbn Office of Financial Aid

Posting Begin/End Date

12/10/2024 - 1/06/2025

Salary

$55,000.00 - $65,000.00

Career Interest

Administration

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