Financial Aid Specialist

About California Miramar UniversityCalifornia Miramar University is a DEAC-accredited, career-focused university serving a diverse community of domestic and international students through undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. As our university continues to grow, we are building a talented and collaborative team committed to helping students succeed. Team members have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' academic journeys while developing their own skills, expanding their careers, and contributing to a supportive and student-centered community.About the RoleCalifornia Miramar University is seeking a full-time Financial Aid Specialist to guide students through the financial aid process, from FAFSA completion through disbursement. Working closely with the Financial Aid Director and Finance Department, this role serves as a primary point of contact for student financial aid inquiries, maintains accurate and compliant financial aid records, and helps ensure financial aid is awarded and processed accurately and on time.The ideal candidate brings working knowledge of Federal Student Aid (Title IV) programs, strong attention to detail, and a student-first approach to communication and follow-up.Key ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities below follow the student financial aid lifecycle, from first contact through disbursement and audit. This list is representative and not exhaustive.Student Support and CommunicationServe as a primary point of contact for student financial aid questions by email, phone, and in person.Counsel students on financial aid eligibility, available aid programs, application requirements, required documentation, and next steps.Guide students through the FAFSA, verification requirements, entrance counseling, and Master Promissory Note (MPN) requirements.Explain award letters, financial aid packages, revisions, and how enrollment status, outside funding, verification results, and other changes may affect eligibility.Explain federal student loan requirements, borrowing considerations, and available repayment resources; direct students to appropriate loan servicers or resources for repayment questions requiring specialized guidance.Help students understand how Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), course withdrawals, or changes in enrollment may affect their aid. Refer complex cases, appeals, and situations requiring professional judgment to the Financial Aid Director.Follow up promptly on missing or incomplete documents, monitor outstanding requests, and help resolve issues that could delay processing or disbursement.Communicate with parents or other authorized parties when permitted by applicable privacy requirements and university policy.Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive student and financial information.Application Processing and VerificationReview financial aid files for completeness, accuracy, and eligibility.Complete federal and institutional verification, including reviewing ISIR output, collecting and reviewing required documentation, resolving conflicting information, and submitting corrections as needed.Maintain accurate, organized financial aid records and student information.Document file reviews, eligibility decisions, award adjustments, and communications in the appropriate systems.Awarding and Loan AdministrationPrepare, process, and issue student financial aid award letters.Package and revise aid in accordance with applicable federal, state, institutional, and program requirements.Process award revisions resulting from enrollment changes, verification outcomes, or receipt of additional funding.Certify and originate Direct Loan awards through the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system.Report applicable enrollment status changes to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).Support Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluations and Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations for students who withdraw.Disbursement and Finance CoordinationWork with Finance to coordinate financial aid disbursements, student account balances, refunds, credit balances, and reconciliation of financial aid activity.Research and help resolve discrepancies between financial aid records and student accounts in coordination with the Financial Aid Director and Finance.Communicate with students and relevant departments about issues affecting aid posting or disbursement.Compliance, Reporting, and Department SupportEnsure assigned activities comply with applicable federal, state, and university financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.Stay current on changes to financial aid regulations, policies, systems, and processing requirements.Prepare financial aid reports, correspondence, and documentation.Support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory reporting by gathering records and responding to requests for information.Provide operational and administrative support to the Financial Aid Director, including file re