Job Overview We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Financial Aid Coordinator to join our nonprofit educational institution's administrative team. In this vital role, the Financial Aid Coordinator is responsible for the accurate and compliant administration of the institution's financial aid programs, including Title IV federal student aid and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits. The employee or consultant serves as the primary contact between the institution, students, regulatory agencies, and third-party servicers to ensure the effective operation of all financial aid activities. The administration of financial aid programs ensures students receive accurate guidance and support throughout the Title IV application process. Your expertise will help students access the financial resources they need to achieve their academic goals while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' educational journeys by managing complex financial data with precision and professionalism, while providing financial aid counseling, processing and disbursements and manages student financial communications. Advising institutional leadership on financial aid matters is also included. The Financial Aid Coordinator must maintain current knowledge of Title IV and VA regulations and ensure institutional policies and procedures align with all regulatory requirements. Part-time position, 5-15 hours/ week. Flexible schedule based on institutional needs throughout the academic year. Attendance at meetings, audits, regulatory training, and compliance reviews may be required.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and Title IV compliance expertise. Negotiations for structured hourly employee or monthly consulting agreement possible. Core Competencies Title IV Regulatory Compliance Veterans Affairs Compliance Financial Aid Administration Financial Counseling Audit and Risk Management Data Accuracy and Reporting Confidentiality and Professional Ethics Interdepartmental Collaboration Student Service Excellence Policy Development and Implementation Core Responsibilities Financial Aid Administration Manage all aspects of student financial aid processing, awarding, and disbursement. Oversee student loans and fulfill all necessary requirements associated with the Title IV program. Provide financial counseling and guidance to current and prospective students. Conduct entrance and exit counseling as required. Answer student financial aid questions and provide timely assistance regarding funding eligibility, applications, and disbursements. Send receipts to students for tuition and fee payments received. Provide student financial aid statements upon request. Monitor student aid eligibility and maintain accurate student financial aid records. Ensure proper processing of refunds, returns of Title IV funds, and disbursements in accordance with federal requirements. Title IV and Veterans Affairs Compliance Demonstrate thorough knowledge of Title IV and Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. Maintain institutional compliance with all applicable federal, state, Department of Education, and Veterans Affairs regulations. Remain current on changes to Title IV and VA regulations and participate in ongoing professional development and required training. Attend Title IV and Veterans Affairs training as appropriate. Inform administration of regulatory changes that impact application processes, compliance requirements, or institutional procedures. Keep administration informed regarding the status of Title IV and Veterans Affairs applications. Third-Party Servicer Management Lead interactions with the institution's third-party financial aid servicer. Maintain regular communication with the third-party servicer and ensure they are informed of institutional policies, student statuses, and regulatory requirements. Coordinate data transfers between the institution and the third-party servicer. Ensure timely and accurate exchange of information necessary for aid processing and reporting. Inform all involved parties of pertinent information, updates, and changes related to Title IV administration. Compliance, Audits, and Reporting Develop and maintain recordkeeping standards, procedures, and quality control measures to ensure successful audits and regulatory reviews. Complete all required governmental, accreditor, institutional, and regulatory reports accurately and on time. Work directly with Title IV and VA auditors to ensure all financial aid and informational requirements are satisfied. Ensure all disbursements and returns of funds to the U.S. Department of Education are completed accurately and within established deadlines. Maintain all required documentation supporting student aid eligibility and institutional compliance. Financial Management and Administrative Support Provide monthly and/or quarterly financial aid reports to the President and/or Finance Director. Student Assessment and Collaboration In conjunction with the Director of Admissions or Admissions Team, assess student and applicant ability to responsibly manage student loan obligations. Collaborate with admissions staff regarding Title IV and VA eligibility requirements. Ensure Admissions personnel understand financial aid procedures and appropriately refer students when necessary. Develop and oversee student financial education and counseling initiatives. Policy Development and Strategic Support Recommend and assist in the development of financial aid policies and procedures. Evaluate existing financial aid processes and recommend improvements to increase operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Serve as a resource to administration regarding financial aid strategy, compliance, and student funding opportunities. Support in annual updates to the financial aid handbook or if considerable changes to policy are created. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive student information. Skills Expertise in financial aid administration, including Title IV regulations, loan processing, and compliance standards Experience with student database management systems and handling confidential information securely Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with students, staff, and external partners Ability to interpret complex regulations related to educational funding and ensure institutional compliance Demonstrated leadership skills in team management and training within an academic environment Familiarity with educational policies, school procedures, and regulatory requirements governing financial aid processes Strong organizational skills with attention to detail when managing multiple tasks simultaneously Competence in Microsoft Office Suite for reporting, documentation, and correspondence purposes Ability to work remotely or independently at times, while maintaining engagement with the administrative team. Qualifications Minimum 2 (two) years of experience in financial aid administration, Title IV compliance, or related field. Demonstrated knowledge of Title IV federal student aid regulations. Experience managing financial aid records and reporting requirements. Strong written and verbal communication skills. High level of organizational and analytical ability. Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Experience :
Work with Veterans Affairs educational benefits programs. Experience working with third-party financial aid servicers.
Pay:
From $30.00 per hour Expected hours: 10.0 - 15.0 per week
Benefits:
Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Professional development assistance