"Financial Aid and Scholarship Coordinator"

Job Description

The Financial Aid and Scholarship Coordinator is a key member of the Financial Aid team, responsible for managing and coordinating federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This role provides comprehensive support to students, families, employees, and community partners in navigating the financial aid process, ensuring compliance with all federal regulations and institutional policies.

The Financial Aid and Scholarship Coordinator oversees student loan processing, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Federal Work Study (FWS), default management, scholarship administration, and financial literacy outreach. The position contributes to the success and retention of students by providing timely and accurate financial aid counseling and services.

Personal Touch:
All duties shall be performed with respect, responsiveness, and responsibility, integrating the ZSC personal touch philosophy, which promotes respectful, supportive, and genuine engagement with students, colleagues, and the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee federal aid processing: manage databases, evaluate student records, verify documentation, resolve conflicts, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Counsel and support students, parents, and the public on all aspects of financial aid, eligibility, FAFSA, verification, and scholarship opportunities.
• Manage the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program: submit FISAP, coordinate placements, onboard students, audit timesheets, and monitor funding.
• Coordinate and manage scholarship operations: policies, applications, awarding, compliance, and donor communications. Serve as primary scholarship contact.
• Conduct professional judgment reviews for special circumstances and process appeals and FAFSA data adjustments.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and institutional aid policies; attend trainings; support audits and compliance reviews.
• Monitor institutional default rate; communicate with delinquent borrowers; lead default prevention efforts; revise policies and procedures.

Scholarship Responsibilities:

• Develop, manage, and maintain scholarship policies and disbursement processes.
• Promote ZSC scholarships through strategic outreach and marketing.
• Review student eligibility based on academic and donor criteria.
• Manage the scholarship review committee and facilitate award processes.
• Perform internal audits and ensure donor intent and spending policy compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and scholarship recipient database.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelors degree in communications, business, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills.

Preferred:

• Minimum of 2 years of financial aid experience.
• Familiarity with Jenzabar, COD, NSLDS, and financial aid systems.
• Experience in scholarship awarding.

Employment and Benefits

ZSC offers an excellent benefits package including the following:

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive healthcare plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• HSA/FSA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental retirement savings plans
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal leave

The position will remain open until filled. The final candidate is subject to the successful completion of reference checks and a background check. On-site preferred. Hybrid work locations will be considered, contingent on approval.