"Financial Aid Outreach Specialist"

Financial Aid Outreach Specialist

Great Basin College is seeking a Financial Aid Outreach Specialist to join our team and help remove financial barriers for students. This dynamic position plays a vital role in implementing and managing financial aid initiatives, with a special focus on the Prison Education Program (PEP) and efforts to increase FAFSA completion and Pell Grant access. (This is not a prison-based position; the employee will be housed on the Elko campus and will travel to correctional facilities as needed.)

Responsibilities:

Prison Education Program Leadership

• Act as the lead liaison for PEP operations.
• Partner with correctional facility staff and faculty to support incarcerated students through the financial aid process.
• Conduct financial aid workshops for incarcerated learners (on-site and virtual).
• Ensure federal compliance and file monthly/annual reports to the Department of Education.

FAFSA & Pell Grant Outreach

• Design and lead outreach campaigns to increase FAFSA completion and Pell Grant participation across the region.
• Build partnerships with high schools, community organizations, and internal departments.
• Use data analysis to track success and target areas for growth.

Student Advising & Support

• Provide one-on-one guidance to students and families on financial aid options, eligibility, and application processes.
• Help students with forms, documentation, and appeals.
• Maintain student records in accordance with FERPA guidelines.

Program Development & Compliance

• Develop inclusive policies that expand access to aid.
• Track program effectiveness and produce reports related to student outcomes and regulatory compliance.
• Stay up to date on changes in federal and state aid regulations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Public Administration, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in financial aid, student services, or a related area in higher education preferred.
• Experience with the Prison Education Program, Second Chance Pell, or justice-impacted populations preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse communities.
• Proficiency in financial aid systems (PeopleSoft, COD, NSLDS) and Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• Ability to travel to correctional facilities and community outreach locations as needed.
• Must pass required correctional background checks.

Additional Details:

This position is located on the Elko campus, with occasional travel required to correctional institutions and other outreach sites with or without reasonable accommodation as per the Americans with Disabilities Act. A strong commitment to serving rural communities is essential. Evening and weekend hours may be required for community events such as FAFSA nights.

Compensation Grade

Administrative Faculty - B. This is a 12 month "A" contract position. The budgeted salary range for this position is $43,035 - $50,000. Salary is based on relatable education and experience, internal equity and budgets.