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Inside Higher Ed · 1 day ago

Coordinator of Financial Aid

Lowell, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Middlesex Community College (MCC) is dedicated to providing access to affordable education and workforce development opportunities. The Coordinator of Financial Aid is responsible for administering financial aid services, managing programs, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while supporting students in their financial planning.

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No H1B

Responsibilities

Works with the Director of Financial Aid to interpret federal and state financial aid policies, regulatory changes and processes

Assists in the development and implementation of plans and strategies while supporting customer service goals by maintaining the delivery of ongoing services

Assists the Associate Director and Director in the formulation of policies and procedures for all financial aid programs related to MCC non-standard programs with other units of the College

Works with students and parents to process and determine financial aid eligibility in general

Coordinates the administration of financial aid with regards to non-standard academic programs at the College, within existing federal and state regulations. Ensures that the College remains in compliance with regards to reporting and program reconciliation within published deadlines

Maintains a caseload of students which includes: performing needs analysis according to FM, completing verification, requesting additional documentation for conflicting information, and other responsibilities related to the financial aid process

Provides direction to staff regarding state and federal financial aid programs

Coordinates the administration of the Reserved Placement Program (RPP) student cohorts

Manages the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) system set-up in its entirety including implementation, manual awarding, specialized communications and troubleshooting; this also includes the management of the Tuition Equity Law (and pertinent programs) and communication with any students deemed ineligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Conducts workshops on the financial aid process to students and their families, community groups, and area high school (may require nights and weekends on occasion)

Assists in the front desk operations as needed, including responding to incoming calls and walk-in visitors

Maintains current knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations to ensure appropriate compliance

Reviews cases of special conditions to determine whether these cases warrant the application of professional judgement

Interviews students to determine student financial aid eligibility and recommends appropriate action. Approves or disapproves student eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial assistance based upon provided data, standardized procedures and program guidelines. Verifies quality of given data and makes judgement based on documented exceptions (medical, etc.)

Composes correspondence involving unique circumstances on needs assessment or eligibility exceptions. Prepares official correspondence and reports

Counsels and provides information in assisting students and parents with financial planning

Provides leadership and direction to financial aid counselors, assistants, and staff by assessing work flow issues, reviewing work for quality and accuracy, including training

Maintains knowledge of all office duties and understanding of various financial aid programs administered at Middlesex Community College

Participates in college recruiting and retention efforts through financial aid high school nights, open house programs and other related activities

Participates in special assignments and/or projects that may arise during the course of office operations

Other duties as assigned

Works with the Registrar to resolve data conflicts between the National Student Clearinghouse and the National Student Loan Data System. Updates the monitoring for and reviews the accounts of transfer students on the National Student Loan Data System

Works in conjunction with the representatives from the Student Success and TRIO programs regarding the process of awarding offices' grants

Responsible for maintaining a strong working relationship with other college offices such as Admissions/Recruitment, Registrar/Student Information Center, Advising, Information Technology, Communication Center, etc

Qualification

Financial Aid OperationsFederal Financial Aid RegulationsState Financial Aid ProgramsIntegrated Student Information SystemsFinancial ManagementAnalytical SkillsBilingual SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Required

Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Services, or closely related field; with a minimum three (3) years of experience and/or training involving financial aid operations, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Broad knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs and record-keeping requirements

Comprehensive understanding, interpretation, and application of federal and state financial aid regulations

Experience using integrated higher education student information systems

Ability to form strong coalitions with internal and external constituencies

Ability to resolve problems and to develop relevant alternatives and recommendations

Financial management and strong analytical skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks and to be organized and detail oriented

Ability to recognize departmental priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish positive public relations for the college; and to interact effectively with a variety of people

Able to work independently and as part of a project team to meet deadlines