"MnSCU Academic Professional 1 - Financial Aid Assistant"

Job Description: The purpose of this position is committed to student success. The primary purpose of this professional position is to serve as the technical expert and resource to students, parents, faculty, staff, and outside constituents regarding various financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and regulations. This position also administers various state, institutional, and external financial aid programs, including aid programs for American Indian students, as well as coordinates and directs the financial aid verification process and financial aid consortium agreements. This position will manage student financial aid records with an emphasis on State Grant programs and Title IV eligibility. This position serves as a resource specialist regarding financial aid to other departments at the school, the community, and potential students, serving as the front-line specialist for students, parents, and other outside constituents seeking specialized information about Title IV and state financial aid programs, application processes, and LSC-specific processes. The incumbent serves as a member of the Student Success and Retention Team, focused on student access, retention, persistence, and success. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating financial aid services linked to retention-based outreach and student success initiatives to a diverse student population, specifically first generation, low income, and the historically underrepresented. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid.

Salary Range: $50,070 - $69,906

Minimum Qualifications: Interpersonal service skills sufficient to interpret and explain program information to applicants, such as eligibility requirements, application details, error resolution, etc. and effectively communicate and elicit information with tact and diplomacy in difficult situations. Two years’ experience working in student financial aid, scholarships, student payments, financial field, or related highly regulated or audited environment. Demonstrated ability to calculate, review and reconcile financial data. Two years’ experience in database management with demonstrated ability to develop and accurately enter information into a database and produce ad hoc queries and reports. Skill in using word processing, spreadsheet, and other software applications to prepare e-mails, memos, letters, reports, forms, etc.

Preferred Qualification: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Mathematics, Data Science, Business, or related field. Demonstrated ability to work successfully with persons from diverse background, and commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Knowledge of State and federal financial aid rules and regulations sufficient to provide accurate information to students, parents and others in person, on the phone and through e-mail and other written correspondence. Working knowledge of financial aid computer systems. Experience working in Higher Education with emphasis on student services Postsecondary education experience. Knowledge of the college’s goals and objectives to ensure that office activities are consistent with the overall educational program.

Work Shift: 8:00am - 4:30pm / Monday - Friday

Lake Superior College is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator deeply committed to fostering the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We unequivocally prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. Our commitment to affirmative action is integral to creating a workplace that values and leverages the unique perspectives and contributions of every employee. LSC actively seeks to attract and retain a diverse faculty and staff who represent the richness of our institution and the broader community we serve by fostering their development and recognizing their contributions. Lake Superior College employees are dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.