Financial Aid Associate II

About Us Since our founding in 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has been dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience to our students. At GGC, we believe that our students' success is our success, and we are committed to creating a culture that supports and uplifts them throughout their academic journey. As a member of our faculty or staff, you will become part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators and professionals. Together, we work towards a common goal of empowering our students to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. We take pride in our student body, which represents a multitude of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you are involved in teaching or providing essential services, your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students and the broader community. In addition to our commitment to student success, we also value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support the needs of our faculty and staff. From competitive compensation to health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities to work-life balance initiatives, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued. Located in the thriving community of Gwinnett County, GGC offers a rich cultural and social landscape that enhances the overall college experience. Our backdrop is a beautiful, modern 260-acre campus located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Our students and employees benefit from the close proximity to various local amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This vibrant community serves as an extension of our campus, providing a stimulating environment for personal and professional growth. Join GGC and become part of a dynamic team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives and celebrating the achievements of our students. Together, let's make a positive impact and empower the next generation of leaders. Job Summary The Financial Aid Associate II provides expert-level financial aid services, including advising students and staff on eligibility, program requirements, funding options. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while managing complex financial aid cases and awarding processes. The Associate serves as a subject matter resource, applying in-depth knowledge of financial aid policies to resolve discrepancies, interpret regulations, and support accurate and timely awarding. This position plays a key role in maintaining operational efficiency, supporting compliance, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the office. The Financial Aid Associate II is expected to play a key role in fostering a positive work environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and first-class customer service. Collaborative and team-oriented skills with a commitment to student success are essential attributes for this position. Responsibilities Lead state financial aid department programs within the Financial Aid Office. Serve as the primary liaison with the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) and partner institutions, coordinating institutional financial aid awards and in collaboration with academic departments, the Business Office and external entities to provide awards to students. Interpret and apply Federal Methodology, needs analysis principles, and state and federal financial aid regulations and institutional policies in these processes. Identifies and resolves complex conflicting student and/or parent information in an effort to distribute Federal, State and Institutional funds. Analyze and resolve complex discrepancies between governmental agencies and Institutional records. Stays abreast of the most recent Federal, State and Institutional policy changes and recommends procedures to the department to remain compliant with current laws/policies. Execute and manage operational processes, including invoicing, eligibility determination, late invoice processing, and reconciliation; review outcomes and implement necessary corrections. Develop, document, and maintain process maps and workflow procedures to support accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Review and determine Freshmen HOPE and Zell Miller student eligibility. Complete HOPE and Zell Miller transfer evaluations. Review, process and award Dual Enrollment, including retroactive requests and late invoice exception case. Manages and/or participate in departmental and cross-functional projects, as assigned. Required Qualifications 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree Two to three years of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications One to three years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid, higher education administration, or in a related field requiring the interpretation and application of federal, state, or institutional regulations. Experience applying policies and regulations to individual cases with a high level of accuracy. Experience with Federal Student Aid Programs Experience in financial aid in a higher education environment, with knowledge of rules and regulations as they pertain to Federal Title IV and state funding Experience with student information systems and financial aid platforms Experience with student and/or financial aid modules at an institution of similar size, type or complexity NASFAA credentials (e.g., Student Eligibility, Application Process), or demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development in financial aid Proposed Salary 42,100 - 50,500 Salary offer will be dependent on candidate's experience and qualifications, internal equity considerations, budget availability, and salary administration guidelines. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge of Federal Student Aid Programs Knowledge of Banner, NSLDS, CPS, FAA Access, Common Origination and Disbursement, SURFER, and BDM Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to individual cases High attention to detail and accuracy in processing financial aid Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate complex information Effective verbal and written communication skills Ability to manage high volume workloads Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 . Conditions of Employment Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Eligibility of employment is determined by GGC in its sole discretion, and includes but is not limited to confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are subject to the applicable federal laws, state laws, statutes, rules and regulations of this institution, and to the bylaws and policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50). For individuals requiring disability-related accommodations for participation in any event including the application, interview process, or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact HR at (678) 407.5746 or email hr@ggc.edu . Background Check Position of Trust + Education Other Information Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the College unless an applicant is selected for an interview. Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. Georgia is an open records state.