Financial Aid Specialist, Graduate Programs and Reporting

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Specialist, Graduate Programs and Reporting is the lead contact for prospective and current graduate and Post-Bac student populations for the Boler School of Business, the Graduate College of Arts & Science, and the College of Health. This position also serves as the Student Enrollment and Financial Services (SEFS) office’s point of contact for Graduate Admissions, Deans, and faculty members.

The Graduate Financial Aid Specialist provides quality service to all graduate students regarding financial aid eligibility, analyzes federal financial aid applications to determine a student’s financial need, processes financial aid awards, and performs all duties related to the graduate financial aid process. This position must interact in a professional manner with students, parents, and members of the JCU community, especially when helping to resolve financial issues relating to financial aid eligibility and awards. Additionally, this position is responsible for staying abreast of federal regulations as they apply to graduate student awarding and reporting.

• Serve as subject matter expert and responsible for the administration of the University’s Graduate student aid programs
• Advise students and parents regarding financing an education at the University, including financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs and financial management strategies including loans, financing options, and other financial-aid related matters.
• Manage heavy contact with students and families via email, phone and in-person. Provide quality customer service, while demonstrating patience and understanding to families and students who are seeking and receiving financial aid. Work effectively in a diverse work environment with people from different socio-economic backgrounds and cultures. Must be able to maintain confidentiality of private, personal and federal tax information.
• Responsible for processing financial aid application materials, verifying accuracy of documents, and creating annual Aid awards.
• Processes all summer financial aid awards for JCU’s Graduate population.
• Counsels and advises students concerning Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies and appeal procedures.
• Reviews all Course Program of Study (CPoS) issues for graduate students.
• Works closely with the Graduate School to administer institutional aid programs.
• Maintains compliance with all federal and state regulations and the internal policies and procedures of the University.
• Utilizes Federal Aid systems including NSLDS and COD to ensure aid eligibility.
• Participate in recruitment and retention functions, both on and off campus, including evening and weekend hours (Information Sessions, Group Chats, New student orientations, high school financial aid presentations, Admitted Student Days, Open Houses, Move-In Day/Welcome Weekend, etc).
• Ensure the reliability of electronic information and online self-service for students related to their academic and financial records.
• Utilize and assist students through the billing system (Touchnet).
• Serves as back-up for the Veteran Program
• Participate in relevant training opportunities (internally and externally) to gain the knowledge to educate students and the community on policies and procedures, self-service systems, student records privacy and FERPA, and promote student financial literacy.
• Assist in the collection and reporting of data to ensure institutional compliance with federal requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Two or more years of financial aid experience or closely related field.
• Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, problem solving, excellent customer service skills and extensive experience in prioritizing and delivering a high level of personal and extraordinary services are required.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills/public speaking skills.
• Attention to detail, writing, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage and interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• The willingness and ability to work in a highly collaborative staff setting and add to a positive work environment.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and creating an inclusive campus environment
• Interest in understanding and supporting John Carroll’s mission to inspire individuals to excel in learning, leadership, and service in the region and in the world