Department: Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range beginning at $46,000/yr, adjusted based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a-5p

Job Story

The Scholarships unit is looking for someone with an analytical mind, great attention to detail and the ability to think outside-the-box. We are looking for someone to help us manage millions of dollars in scholarship awards. This department has a great reputation as one of the best offices to work in and with on campus. We foster a true teamwork environment with experts in our field on down to those new to the profession. You will have the opportunity to learn all facets of financial aid, not just the responsibilities of your specific job, no stagnation of knowledge.

We need someone willing to dive into the information provided, identify aspects that changed and understand the story being told in the short term as well as long term. Your communication should be effective yet personalized to the level of understanding for the student or individual you’re working with. We need someone with a strong desire to learn and doesn’t get thrown off by regular change related to financial aid, scholarships and the criteria surrounding those.

If you sound like a match to this opportunity, then apply now so we can possibly talk more.

Job Summary

Provides complex and specialized financial counseling and education services to assist students and/or parents in the application process, delivery system, programs, and/or student award preparation. Participates in the development of goals and objectives to maintain financial aid compliance requirements. Coordinates the collection, compilation and analysis of program activity data. Creates and/or compiles information and resource materials related to program activities and initiates.

Essential Functions

Coordinates project task deliverables in support of one (1) or more financial aid programs. Serves as subject matter expert within focus area applying knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, as well as the University. Provides technical guidance, consultation and related support to internal and external customers; provides problem solving and conflict resolution as necessary. Communicates complex program rules and regulations with internal and external department staff, government agencies, students and their families. Resolves complex financial-aid-related questions and escalations related to all federal, state and institutional aid program administered by the office. Assists with general financial aid questions and processes as needed. Counsels directly with students and families on resolving complex issues related to eligibility requirements, compliance, federal application changes, audits and/or return of aid. Focuses efforts on special student populations. Provides information on aid application and awarding process; awarding students and posting information in the student system; budgeting and financial literacy; and scholarship availability and eligibility requirements. Interprets complex financial aid rules and processes. Ensures compliance with federal, state, institutional and private financial aid regulations and policies. Develops and provides financial aid workshops. May provide mentorship and guidance to staff, students, or community members; validate needs analysis and/or collaborate with granting agencies for scholarship opportunities; lead technology initiatives; and/or coordinate projects with campus or community partners to execute new initiatives and develop best practices in providing student support services.

Job Duties

• Assists the Financial Aid Manager -Scholarships with the oversight of the University’s General scholarships.
• Communicates with departments and organizations about annual scholarship allocations and monitor completion by designated deadlines.
• Coordinates with the WSU Foundation to monitor and maintain master import lists for Foundation funds managed within the ScholarshipUniverse system.
• Serves as a liaison between the Office of Financial Aid and the academic colleges. Process scholarship offers and changes.
• Uses ScholarshipUniverse platform or Banner to enter scholarship offers and manage updates.
• Repackages students’ federal financial aid when a scholarship is received after the federal financial aid package has been established. Must follow federal, state and institutional regulations regarding packaging parameters. Reviews financial aid package to determine changes in eligibility and to ensure that no federal, state or institutional over-awards occur and for accuracy.
• Responsible for advising about scholarship applications, eligibility, awards and disbursement system. Advises students and families regarding WSU scholarship opportunities and general financial aid.
• Monitors and evaluate on-line scholarship information on the Financial Aid web site.
• Assists with other miscellaneous reports, changes and repackaging, which include but are not limited to; changes in students’ enrollment level, residency status, students’ grade level, term-only packaging, budget adjustments, etc.
• Creates and executes outreach campaigns for scholarship application completion.
• Develops training materials for all scholarship programs in coordination with Financial Aid Manager - Scholarships.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in any field
• Three (3) years of experience in financial aid or related field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Sound understanding and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic general accounting knowledge.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, effective and appropriate to varied interactions.
• Ability to discern information and quickly learn effective uses of various software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Federal Financial Aid.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.