Description
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and
most diverse technical college, offering 170+ high-quality programs
that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years.
The college also offers a less expensive path to a four-year
degree. MATC is transforming lives, industry and our community by
preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow. Together, we
are meeting the needs of the community we share and are focused on
students with the greatest needs. We are seeking passionate
individuals to join our team who shares the same passion in serving
this purpose. Learn more about MATC at
www.matc.edu .
Under the supervision of the Financial Aid Supervisor for Student
Services, the Financial Aid Specialist provides comprehensive
advising to current and prospective students regarding available
financial aid programs and application procedures. This position
supports students throughout the financial aid process, helping
them navigate often complex eligibility requirements, forms, and
deadlines. Assists with the administration and processing of aid to
ensure timely and accurate awarding. The role works closely with a
diverse student population, including individuals from a wide range
of cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. The role
requires a strong commitment to equity and student success, as well
as the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately while
guiding students through challenging and often unfamiliar
processes.
Work is detailed and diversified requiring professional judgment,
analysis of individual circumstances, and decision-making in
alignment with established policies and procedures. Supervision
received is general in nature using established procedures and
general objectives and limited to problems or unusual conditions.
Works both independently and with staff in a teamwork
approach.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Financial Aid Advising: Guides students on educational
related financial matters including budget planning, their rights
and responsibilities related to financial aid, including terms and
conditions of aid programs and repayment obligations, and related
financial aid options. Supports students through in-person
appointments and drop-ins, virtually through Zoom and other
platforms, and timely email responses.
Student Support and Application Guidance: Explains
financial aid procedures, eligibility requirements, and deadlines
to ensure students understand the full application process.
Provides guidance to students as they complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and required follow up
documentation and also provides guidance to students in completing
applications for various types of financial aid, including federal
and state grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Troubleshoots problems with FAFSA submission and student
portals.
Recordkeeping and Compliance: Maintains accurate
records, generates reports, and remains up-to-date with Department
of Education regulatory changes. Reads and interprets regulations
relevant to Title IV student financial aid assistance programs.
Conducts federal verification processes in compliance with
regulatory requirements, ensuring accuracy and completeness of
student financial aid files. Guides students on Satisfactory
Academic Progress (SAP) standards and guides them through the
appeal process to help maintain their eligibility for federal
student aid.
Outreach and Education: Represents the MATC Financial
Aid Office at outreach events, workshops, and orientation sessions,
including high school visits and community events. Delivers
presentations on financial aid processes and promotes financial
wellness resources.
Problem Solving and Communication: Reviews and evaluates
complex student situations, including provisional independent
status, unaccompanied homeless youth determinations, and special
circumstances requiring professional judgment. Ensures adherence to
institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and industry
best practices.
Ethics and Confidentiality: Practices honesty by
demonstrating a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong
moral and ethical principles, values, truthfulness, and accuracy in
all actions. Addresses all student and employee behavior in a
confidential and respectful manner.
Cross Functional Relationships and Collaborative
Teamwork: Establishes, maintains and enhances positive working
relationships with staff, faculty and administrators.
Continuous Learning & Professional Development:
Maintains current knowledge of best practices and standards in
higher education with an emphasis on community colleges. Actively
participates in applicable workgroups, trainings, workshops,
seminars, committees and professional associations or conferences
to promote continuous learning.
Other duties: Performs other related duties within the
scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of
the division and to support institutional objectives.
Qualifications
Compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation
standards/requirements, as well as all MATC policies and
procedures.
Required Education & Experience : Associate’s degree in
a related field and three (3) years of experience in a financial
aid, higher education administration or financial institution
office/role.
Preferred Education & Experience : Bachelor’s degree in
a related field and at least two (2) years of experience in a
financial aid, higher education administration or financial
institution office/role.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
- Working knowledge of financial aid federal sites.
- Knowledge and ability to counsel students and parents on FAFSA
application and utilization while effectively communicating
financial aid award options e.g. (Institutional grants and
scholarships, Pell Grant, Wisconsin Grant, Federal Work-Study, and
Federal Student loans.)
- Proficient in performing accurate numerical calculations, with
strong attention to detail in data entry and analysis.
- Ability to problem solve effectively.
- Ability to overcome obstacles by engaging internal and external
resources.
- Ability to complete projects in a higher education
setting.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment delivering
excellent student service support.
- Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and
written means.
- Ability to establish, collaborate and maintain effective work
relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff,
representatives of outside agencies, educational institutions, and
the general public.
- Ability to convey an image of professionalism and dedication in
work related activities.
- Ability to work with culturally diverse student and employee
populations.
- Proficiency in the use of computers and software specific to
position, including spreadsheets and Google Suite.
- Ability to successfully work independently as well as in cross
functional teams.
Supplemental Information
Start Date
This position supports the Financial Aid Department and is
available starting as soon as possible. This position will be based
out the Downtown Campus.
Hours
This position is full-time with hours available Monday-Friday
between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Salary
Salary is listed to the midpoint of the salary range. Rates and are
determined by years of experience credit and internal salary
equity.
Application Materials
Along with your completed applications, please upload a resume and
cover letter. Education will be formally verified prior to
offer.
Interviews
Selected candidates will be invited to virtually interview for this
position after the application deadline.
EEO
Milwaukee Area Technical College will not discriminate against
any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for
admission on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry,
sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation,
marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age,
membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union
affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected
category under applicable local, state or federal law.
Milwaukee Area Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access
Educator/Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for
qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability
and need special accommodation for the application process, please
contact our office at 414-297-6529 (Wisconsin Relay System: 711) or
email jobs@matc.edu .