Financial Aid Coordinator

Position Summary

Provides advice and guidance to students, prospective students, parents, staff, and the community regarding financial aid programs. Ensures the proper and timely processing of financial aid requests and related documentation in order to disburse federal, state and institutional funds. Coordinates assigned financial aid processes and assists the Director, Financial Aid with department compliance, reporting, assessment, and operational functions. Actively participates within a team concept and as a member of various college committees. Participates in organizational learning and professional development. Addresses the needs of both on-campus and distant education students when carrying out job responsibilities in a learner-centered manner. Performs all functions and activities within the guidelines and philosophy set forth in the BMCC Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan.

Essential Functions

• Advise students and parents, or other appropriate parties by phone, email or in person, in various aspects of financial aid programs, rules and processing.
• Conduct file download, review, correction, awarding, and monitoring in accordance with federal, state and institutional regulations and guidelines (including loans.)
• Collaborate with the Recruitment & Retention Department to conduct financial aid presentations and outreach activities for staff, students, high schools and others upon request.
• Determine financial aid satisfactory academic progress and effectively communicate to students satisfactory academic progress requirements on a timely manner.
• Award, place, and monitor students in both the Federal Work-Study program and campus student employment program.
• Coordinates with other departments and the FA director with regards to accurate completion of state and federal forms as well as budget tracking and monitoring.
• Coordinate and monitor consortium agreements and the posting of scholarships.
• Act as the department liaison to the BMCC Foundation in the application and selection process for institutional scholarships when requested.
• Certify Veterans Educational benefits.
• Monitor and track enrollment changes and course enrollment for continued eligibility.
• Keep abreast of new information and program changes to be implemented.
• Utilize financial aid computerized record keeping and reporting system on a daily basis for use in processing student files and generating reports.
• Maintains sensitivity, understanding, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.
• Assist Director with developing, implementing, and evaluating financial aid policies and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
• Assist Director with ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines related to financial aid.
• Assist Director with staying current on regulatory changes and implementing necessary adjustments in financial aid programs and processes.
• Assist Director with the development and implementation of the computer assisted financial aid information system, including ongoing reports and ad hoc requests for statistical data.
• Assist Director with audits and assessments, including gathering documentation and addressing issues or findings.
• Assist Director with preparing and submitting required state, federal, institutional, and other financial aid reports in a timely manner.
• Assist Director with the return of Title IV funds, Title IV student repayment processes, and appeals related to special circumstances.
• Assist Director with coordinating and managing regular assessment of student Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), including review and documentation of appeals as assigned.
• Assist Director with monitoring fund allocations, budgets, and expenditures to support accurate and responsible distribution of financial aid funds.
• Assist Director with training and supervising financial aid staff and supporting consistent application of department procedures and best practices.
• Assist Director with collecting, analyzing, and reporting financial aid data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Assist Director with collaboration across Admissions, Student Accounts, Enrollment Services/Registrar, Recruitment & Retention, and other Student Services departments to support seamless student services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Aspects of this Position

The Financial Aid Coordinator will be required to travel to and from school/center locations in the BMCC service area in order to accomplish financial aid outreach activities; valid drivers license required. Must be able to work flexible hours on occasion. May assist in the training of federal and Veterans work-study students.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities:

• Commitment to providing superior customer service and the ability to carry out that commitment.
• Demonstrate extraordinary interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills strongly preferred.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining a high-level of accuracy and efficiency.
• Have analytical skills and the ability to apply those skills in performing daily functions.
• Understand FERPA guidelines and regulations as they relate to financial aid.
• Demonstrate strong computer and internet research skills as well as solid understanding of social media platform management.
• Ability to use basic business math.
• Ability to interpret and apply all federal and state regulations policies and programs guiding the administration of both Title IV and non-Title IV aid.
• Ability to work within strict timelines, under pressure, in a confidential manner.

Required Education and Experience

Associate degree in a related field. The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify under equivalency by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelors degree. Two (2-4) four years of successful experience working in a Financial Aid office or other relatable experience in Education. Experience in student employment and Veterans benefits.