Institutional Student Financial Assistance Specialist

This Institutional Student Financial Assistance Specialist (ISFAS) incorporates the full range of institutional student financial assistance responsibilities; including assisting graduate level students in the application process, resolving Canadian aid eligibility issues, processing Canadian and Institutional aid and providing information on loan repayment. The ISFAS works on an individual basis with students to provide information in an accurate, timely, professional, and courteous manner. The ISFAS possesses a compassionate and respectful understanding of financially related issues and is sensitive to the level of stress students may experience from these issues. This position reports to the Senior Associate Director, Institutional Student Financial Assistance.
 

Essential Functions

• Counsel and advise Canadian students on federal/provincial aid processes, eligibility, applications and renewals.
• Process Canadian aid applications and ensure accuracy in processing.
• Counsel and adjust budget and aid for students with curriculum changes;
• Presents ISFA information at admission events and webinars.
• Counsel students on budgeting issues and financial obligations to the University and determine student need
• Counsel eligible student populations on Institutional Loan applications, processes, and renewals.
• Process Institutional Student Loans (ISLs), coordinate eligibility with respective colleagues and originate new loans and term by term renewals.
• Responsible for International Student Financial Aid Appeals (counseling, application and supporting documents, presenting appeal to committee).
• Provide administrative support along with other tasks as assigned.
• Ensures that students provide required documentation for ISL consideration
• Work collaboratively with other university departments and divisions to ensure accurate and timely exchange of information between department
• Supports all day-to-day operations of the Institutional Student Financial Assistance Office.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, counseling, and written & verbal communication skills
• Manage large volume of materials efficiently and apply complex guidelines accurately
• Demonstrated experience presenting to small and large groups
• Demonstrated experience providing outstanding customer-focused advising in a fast-paced team environment
• Demonstrated quantitative skills
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
• Problem identification and critical thinking skills
• Proficient in Excel, and familiar with Office 365, Banner
• Detail-oriented
• Committed to a high level of quality customer service

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• At least one year of financial aid experience or scholarship experience preferred
• Proficient in Excel, and familiar with Office 365 and Banner

Hours and Travel

• A typical work week is 37.5 hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm
• Flexibility and willingness to work evening hours and weekends in support of peak-time initiatives
• Flexibility to work hours outside of normal business hours to accommodate students throughout various time zones
• Travel as needed to execute key initiatives and deliverables at admissions events, webinars and other student facing settings