"FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST"

Position Summary

Advises students and families about the financial aid application process, financial aid eligibility and alternative sources of financial assistance. Includes participation in outreach activities and presentations to various internal and external audiences; reviews and resolves financial aid professional judgment appeals; performs institutional quality assurance/verification of financial aid applications; processes various forms of financial aid.

Required Qualifications

• Associates degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of increasingly responsible work experience of a qualifying nature.
• Strong knowledge of financial aid including general knowledge of federal and State of Michigan financial aid programs and regulations.
• Experience using complex computer systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records; strong attention to details.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.
• Ability to perform the essential functions and requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Financial Aid.
• Public speaking experience.
• Experience using Sigma’s Student Aid Management (ProSAM) system and the Campus Management (CM) student information.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Meets privately with students and their families to explain the financial aid process, advise on alternative sources of aid, and discuss personal concerns and appeals.
• Represents CMU’s Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid at various outreach activities such as Admission and Orientation events; may present financial aid interest sessions.
• Reviews and approves/denies professional judgment appeals such as requests from parents to be exempted from borrowing the federal parent loan so that the student has access to additional federal student loan.
• Verifies the accuracy of information supplied by students and parents on the federal aid application (FAFSA); this requires a comparison of a multitude of source documents (tax returns, W-2’s, bank statements, etc.) to the FAFSA. Includes adjustments and repackaging aid.
• Adjusts student aid packages due to the receipt of “outside” aid (e.g., private scholarships and loans).

Supervision Exercised

None.

Employee Group

Supervisory Technical

Staff Pay Level

6

Pay Range

$18.50 - $28.00 per hour, estimated rate between $18.50 - $21.00 per hour

Division

Student Recruitment & Retention

Department

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Position Status

Regular

Employment Status

Full-Time

FTE

1.0

Position Type

12 month

Weekly Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8a-5p, Nights and weekends as needed

Location

1200 S Franklin St, Mt Pleasant, Michigan, 48859

Posting Ends

Open Until Filled

Yes

Message to Applicants

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

This position will remain open until filled. The university reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified. For best consideration, please submit application materials on or before Thursday, September 16th, 2025.

To apply, visit https://www.jobs.cmich.edu/postings/43574