Loan Processing Program Manager, Financial Aid

Financial Aid invites applications for a Loan Processing Program Manager to oversee loan administration for the University of Montana. As a key member of the Financial Aid team, this position oversees the administration of federal, state, and private student loan programs, ensuring timely and accurate processing while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. The program manager collaborates with campus partners and external stakeholders to provide exceptional service to students and families navigating the financial aid process. This role requires strong analytical, organizational, and customer service skills to support student success and help remove financial barriers to achieving educational goals. Manage federal, private, Parent PLUS, and Graduate PLUS loan programs, including application tracking, processing, reconciliation, compliance reporting, and program evaluation. Review loan eligibility and limits, resolve processing errors, apply professional judgment for special circumstances, and ensure accurate awarding and disbursement. Perform monthly, semester, and year-end reconciliation and reporting across federal, state, institutional, and lending systems. Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, state, and FERPA regulations. Evaluate financial aid applications, verify eligibility and financial need, make award determinations, and resolve over-awards and funding discrepancies. Create and manage financial aid communications for students, departments, donors, and external agencies, while serving as a resource on student financial matters. Lead software testing and system enhancements, maintain financial aid databases, and train staff on loan processing procedures and best practices. Deliver exceptional customer service and represent Student Financial Services through student support, university events, and committee participation. Two years of post-secondary education in Business, Accounting or related field plus three years of progressively responsible work experience in scholarship administration or financial aid, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Experience using Microsoft Office suite and electronic document management. Demonstrated competence maintaining, processing, and verifying detailed records with a high degree of accuracy, and identifying and correcting errors. Demonstrated competence organizing and prioritizing workloads, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities in a busy office setting. Demonstrated competence composing, formatting, and proving business correspondence accurately and professionally. Successful candidate must be able to gain access to federal systems and must have no loans in default. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or another related field. Experience with Ellucian Banner. Experience working with federal programs.

Compensation Title:

Program Manager I Union:

FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule:

Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year, in-person required.

Probationary Period:

Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include :

Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program. Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

A complete application includes:

Letter of Interest

• addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable. Detailed Resume
• listing education and describing work experience Three (3) Professional References
• names and contact information Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire.

Sponsorship is not available for this position. The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.