Financial Aid Specialist - Supporting Student Success and Empowering Educational Dreams at Gallaudet University

Join the Gallaudet University Team as a Financial Aid Specialist

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and empowering them to achieve their educational goals? Do you have a strong understanding of federal financial aid regulations and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service? Gallaudet University, a bilingual and diverse institution of higher education, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Financial Aid Specialist to join our team. As a Financial Aid Specialist, you will play a critical role in supporting student success, promoting financial literacy, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.

About Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a world-class institution with a rich history of transformation and impact. For over 150 years, Gallaudet has been the political, social, and economic engine of the signing community, providing a bilingual and multicultural learning environment that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Our university is committed to research, scholarly activity, and preparing graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Position Overview

As a Financial Aid Specialist at Gallaudet University, you will report to the Director of Financial Aid and perform professional administrative and technical duties with a thorough knowledge of federal financial aid regulations and Financial Aid Office policies, procedures, and objectives. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Supporting student application data and materials, tracking student academic progress, and preparing educational materials for workshops.
• Verifying student application information, creating and disseminating verification-related communications, and tracking receipt of required documents.
• Analyzing the accuracy of information, noting inconsistencies, making corrections to student application data, and sending regular follow-up communications to secure incomplete information.
• Collaborating with the Financial Aid Staff and Director to develop educational materials related to financial aid programs for workshops, presentations, and other venues.
• Determining the types and amounts of financial aid to be awarded through the packaging process according to federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Providing individual student/parent counseling about financial aid opportunities and processes, and serving student customers in the office.
• Arranging for and providing financial aid training to students through workshops during New Student Orientation and the semester in student housing or other venues.
• Maintaining ongoing knowledge of changes in financial aid programs and processes, and participating in online training opportunities, webinars, conferences, and other activities designed to provide continuing education in financial aid administration.

Key Responsibilities

Student Application and Verification

• Support student application data and materials, and track student academic progress.
• Verify student application information, and create and disseminate verification-related communications to students/parents.
• Track receipt of required documents, analyze the accuracy of information, and note inconsistencies in reported information.
• Makes corrections to student application data and outbounds correction data to the central processor.

Financial Aid Packaging and Awarding

• Determine the types and amounts of financial aid to be awarded through the packaging process according to federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Monitor individual student awards, resolve data conflicts and over-awards, and complete award packaging for undergraduate students.
• Assist with award packaging for non-need students.

Student Counseling and Education

• Provide individual student/parent counseling about financial aid opportunities and processes.
• Regularly serve student customers in the office, and read and respond to student/parent emails.
• Arrange for and provide financial aid training to students through workshops during New Student Orientation and the semester in student housing or other venues.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience with financial aid, accounting, or a related field.
• Ability to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing financial aid programs.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of federal reports for financial aid.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations governing financial aid programs.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of federal reports for financial aid.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Ability to work with and across University departments, outside constituents, and groups.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Gallaudet University, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As a Financial Aid Specialist, you will have opportunities to:

• Participate in online training opportunities, webinars, conferences, and other activities designed to provide continuing education in financial aid administration.
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to design and implement new initiatives and projects.
• Develop your skills and knowledge in financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Gallaudet University is a bilingual and diverse institution that values inclusivity, equity, and diversity. Our work environment is committed to:

• Fostering a culture of safety that is integral to our success.
• Providing a positive and supportive working relationship with co-workers and supervisors.
• Promoting continuous learning and professional development.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• A salary range of $26.61-$35.45, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and empowering them to achieve their educational goals, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application through Workday using the "Find jobs" report.

Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis.