"Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist"

Job Details

Position Title: Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Financial Aid Officer

Department: Financial Aid

Compensation: $46,000-$47,000 per year

Job Duties:

• Provides oversight for the administration of all scholarships/scholarship programs.
• Adjusts student financial aid awards as needed due to the addition of a scholarship, waiver, or outside resource.
• Maintains record keeping for all scholarship categories and reconciles accounts monthly.
• Serves as a point of contact for students, families, scholarship agencies, and university partners with questions or concerns related to the various scholarship programs to ensure compliance, efficiency, and a high level of customer service.
• Develops and maintains relationships with appropriate UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation staff, UWL Admissions Office, UWL International Education and Engagement, private scholarship agencies, UWL Undergraduate Research and Creativity, academic departments, and UWL Business Services.
• Oversees the management of the outside scholarship database.
• Processes general undergraduate and graduate student FAFSA review and awarding.
• Assists with walk-ins, phone calls, e-mails.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Perform duties of Financial Aid Counselor
• FAFSA application review: Per federal law, review and verify information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by comparing application information to documentation provided by the family/student. Analyze information, resolve conflicts, make corrections and/or complete further investigation when appropriate.
• Advising Students/Families Regarding Financial Aid: Counsel prospective and current students in person, virtual, and via telephone/email on financial aid matters. Use Federal Student Aid professional judgment to revise student eligibility, financial aid offers, and decide on appeals for additional aid based on special or unusual circumstances.
• Customer Service: Assist with office phone calls, e-mails, in-person visits. Learn campus resources to refer students and families as needed.
• Process and Maintain all Scholarship Awards and Related Recordkeeping for the Financial Aid Office: Coordinate the administrative functions for both institutional and private scholarships, stipends, waivers and other outside awards, ensuring compliance and exceptional customer service. Establish and maintain procedures regarding the processing of scholarship awards to include efficient and accurate awarding often requiring verification of student information. Audit, verify and revise student awards, communicating with students/agencies when appropriate. Coordinate communication with all institutional partners who assist with the scholarship award process including Business Services, UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation, Residence Life, International Education and Engagement, Admissions Office, Graduate and Extended Learning, UWL First! Scholars, UWL Eagle Apprentices, McNair Scholars, FYRE Scholars, and others. Create and maintain the spreadsheet of institutional nonresident tuition waivers. Work closely with the Admissions Office in the scholarship awarding process, throughout the recruitment process. Work closely with the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation in the scholarship awarding process, throughout the award year. Respond to all inquiries related to scholarships on behalf of the Financial Aid Office. Oversee the management of the outside scholarship database.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning earned by start date
• Excellent attention to detail
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information
• Ability to problem-solve and exercise independent judgment and initiative
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience with college student financial aid, financial literacy, and/or scholarship administration
• Experience with scholarship program development and administration
• Experience with Oracle’s PeopleSoft Campus Solutions Enterprise System
• Work experience with student and/or colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• Skilled in customer service and public relations

How to Apply:

Required application documents:

• Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications)
• CV / Resume

The review of applications starts on January 20, 2026. Applications received on or before January 20th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.