Coordinator, Financial Aid

Overview

This role, under the Director of Student Financial Services, oversees and coordinates financial aid programs at Polk State College. The Coordinator works closely with managers and the director to ensure effective delivery and continuous improvement of financial aid programs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates financial aid functions for Polk State College, ensuring efficient and compliant operations. - Determines and certifies student eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other financial aid programs in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and College policies. - Reviews and processes financial aid applications, resolving exceptions including verification requirements, C-Codes, conflicting information, and comment codes identified on Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs). - Verifies student enrollment status and enrollment changes in a timely manner to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations. - Conducts audits of student financial aid files to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. - Collaborates with the Business Office to ensure the accurate disbursement, reconciliation, and adjustment of financial aid funds based on student eligibility. - Processes and accurately calculates Return of Title IV (R2T4) funds for students who withdraw from the College in accordance with federal regulations, ensuring timely notifications, adjustments, and reporting. - Reviews, monitors, and resolves Federal Pell Grant overpayments, including coordinating with students, Federal Student Aid, and internal departments to restore aid eligibility when appropriate. - Manages and reconciles the Pell Multiple Reporting Record (MRR) process by reviewing concurrent enrollment data, resolving conflicting enrollment information, and ensuring compliance with federal Pell Grant regulations. - Assists with the College's Cohort Default Rate (CDR) management efforts by conducting loan default prevention activities, counseling borrowers on repayment options, monitoring delinquency reports, and coordinating outreach to reduce student loan defaults. - Monitors, reviews, and resolves issues identified through Banner, federal systems, and financial aid exception reports to ensure accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and timely disbursement of aid. - Maintains complete and accurate student records and supporting documentation in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and audit record retention requirements. - Designs and facilitates financial aid outreach initiatives, workshops, presentations, and informational sessions to educate prospective and current students, families, and the community regarding financial aid opportunities and processes. - Serves as a liaison between students and the Business Office to resolve billing, payment, refund, and financial aid account concerns. - Participates in professional development opportunities, conferences, and required training to remain current on Title IV regulations, federal and state financial aid programs, Banner processes, FAFSA, NSLDS, COD, and other regulatory guidance. - Delivers exceptional customer service by responding to student, parent, faculty, and staff inquiries in a professional, courteous, and timely manner, generally within two (2) business days. - Performs other job-related duties, administrative functions, and special projects as deemed appropriate by the Associate Vice President of Student Financial Services and/or the Director of Student Financial Services. - Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, engaging effectively with internal and external stakeholders of the College. Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when consulting on complex issues to gain cooperation or approval for proposed actions. - Collaborate with a wide range of individuals and organizations, including state and federal agencies, students, faculty, counselors, and staff. - Coordinate with departments such as Academic Affairs, Student Services, and the Business Office to ensure cohesive support for institutional goals. - Represent the College to the public by providing information and guidance on workshops, classes, and educational opportunities. - Partner with faculty and staff to develop and implement strategies that address student needs and enhance their success. - Design, update, and maintain forms, brochures, and related materials to support assigned responsibilities. - Lead outreach sessions for students and parents, aiding with the completion of financial aid applications and promoting access to educational funding. Qualifications
• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required. - A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in an exempt role within academic, social, or student services is required. - Previous experience in financial aid is preferred. - Previous experience with Banner SAAS, Insights, and Degree Works is preferred. Benefits
• This position is level P13. - We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; short-term disability; paid holidays and sick leave; vacation (excluding faculty positions); retirement benefits for eligible employees; and college fee waivers