
State Title: Professional Services Specialist 4(A)
Bargaining Unit: CWA
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12 month, 35 hours weekly
External salary: $58,222.22 - $66,184.52 step 1 to 4
Internal salary: $58,222.22 - $84,763.22
UNION POSITIONS: The internal salary range is used for
applicants who are current NJ state employees with underlying
classified status for promotional calculations who meet the
requirements below. The external salary range is used for
candidates who are not NJ state employees who meet the requirements
below.
About TCNJ
Founded in 1855, TCNJ offers a highly personalized and
collaborative liberal arts education with over 7,400 undergraduates
and 700 graduate students. The college is consistently ranked among
the top comprehensive colleges in the nation, offering small
classes, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and an immersive
living-learning experience. With a 4-year graduation rate ranked #1
in New Jersey and #9 among U.S. public institutions, TCNJ is a
model for public higher education.
Position Overview: The position provides support to the
Assistant Director - Scholarship Coordinator in the Office of
Student Financial Assistance. The individual will be primarily
responsible for managing foundation scholarships awarded to
financial aid recipients, the posting of private outside
scholarships in the College's financial aid management system and
serve as a contact/liaison between the financial aid office the
Foundation office, faculty and staff.
The office is currently experiencing substantial automation and
streamlining of the scholarship processes and procedures. Due to
these changes, this position is undergoing and will continue to
undergo changes in the responsibility for tasks. The work is
evolving due to constant changes to the Federal and State financial
aid processes. These changes require that all areas of Financial
Aid Operations achieve the highest level of accuracy. In addition,
substantial institutional liability is a consequence of any level
of error occurring in the aid process. Lastly, this position has
direct and indirect contact with students, families, departments
across the TCNJ campus and external agencies on an as-needed basis.
It is expected that this role will be leading interactions and
serve as the first point of contact regarding the awarding of
foundation scholarships with leaders on campus such as Deans,
Directors, etc., as well as students/families.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide information, reports and statistical summaries related
to internal and external scholarships including the reconciliation
of accounts.
- Ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly and effectively.
Work with both internal (faculty/staff) and external (students,
families) individuals to answer questions regarding a student's
financial aid and scholarships via phone, email or in-person.
- Handle special applicant or administrative problems by
investigating the situation and taking appropriate corrective
action.
- Manage the awarding of all TCNJ Foundation Scholarships.
Provide data to the AwardSpring scholarship database as it relates
to the financial aid office while ensuring accuracy.
- With the support of the management team, maintain knowledge and
understanding of Financial Aid policies, processes and procedures
and provide guidance to the Foundation staff on acceptable
scholarship practices as it comes to awarding financial aid.
Responsibilities
- Update student Financial Aid Awards for internal and external
scholarships in the PAWS system making adjustments relative to over
awards, enrollment, and non-attendance.
- Maintain working knowledge of all Financial Aid systems,
including but not limited to, PAWS, NJFAMS, Award Spring and
Microsoft Office Suite products.
- Serve as a primary office contact, responding to phone, email,
and in-person inquiries from students and families; resolve
concerns, provide information, and support office operations while
performing other duties as assigned.
Required
- Knowledge and experience in financial aid processes,
regulations and awarding, specifically when it comes to
scholarships
- Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage a large/heavy
workload.
- Ability to work independently as well as with other staff
members as part of a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity in a multicultural
work environment. Ability to communicate effectively with all
students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
- Exposure to processing student records supported by
computerized systems.
- Bachelor's degree required. Individuals who do not possess a
bachelor's degree may substitute experience on a year-for-year
basis.
- 3-5 years of experience working in a higher education setting,
preferably in a financial aid, student accounts or one stop shop
office.
- Experience communicating with senior institutional leaders and
external stakeholders.
Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations
in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the
requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause
the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for
the position.
Employer Qualifications
Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of
an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification
of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form
I-9).
Residency Requirement: In accordance with the New Jersey
First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public
employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to
obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment.
Applicants must meet the requirements listed.
Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to
apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu .
Employee Benefits
As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a
part of an exciting and rewarding public college career. Eligible
full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous
benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement
benefits, including
- Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and
prescription plans
- Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings
Program
- Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement
Program
- Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group
life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee affinity groups
- New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet
insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park
tickets, etc.)
- Access to extensive learning opportunities
To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees,
visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to
learn more!
SAME Applicants
If you are applying under the New Jersey "SAME" program, your
supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), resume (CV), as well
as the names and contact information for three professional
references by the closing date listed above to: same@tcnj.edu . For more information on
the SAME program visit their website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email:
SAME@csc.nj.gov , or call CSC
at: 833-691-0404.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of
interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information
for three professional references. Applications will be considered
until a viable finalist has been found.
The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive
campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all
backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and
talents of all members of our community and strive to create an
environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities
for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all
applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and
affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals
whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our
institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and
integrity.
Job details
- Type
- Full-time
- Location
- Ewing Township, NJ
- Salary
- $58,222 - $66,185
- Posted
- Aug 30, 2026
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