"Thompson Scholar Coordinator"

Job Description Summary

The Thompson Scholar Coordinator position requires an individual who is dynamic, student-oriented, and a critical thinker. This position will perform a variety of financial aid duties related to University, State of Michigan, and Federal aid programs, and a significant focus will be committed to the Rollin A. Jones and James E. Lindstrom Working Families Scholarship program. This position will require applicants to have a genuine interest in promoting student success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Administer, support, and prioritize the Rollin A. Jones and James E. Lindstrom Working Families Scholarship program, funded by the Thompson Foundation.
2. Identify eligible students for the Working Families Scholarship and collaborate with Advancement, Admissions, and Student Affairs departments to support and expand the cohorts.
3. Serve as the primary University contact for recipients of the Working Families Scholarship (known as Thompson Scholars), advising and referring students as needed to support their success and retention.
4. Develop and implement web content, student programming, communications, and events for Thompson Scholars.
5. Collaborate with other departments and staff as necessary to complete reporting requirements and assessment of the Working Families Scholarship program.
6. Serve as primary contact for other specialized financial aid agreements and grants, including but not limited to Lighthouse Learners, IMPRESS, and the Annexstad Foundation.
7. Administer and assist with other financial aid programs and processes as directed, including but not limited to University, sponsored, State of Michigan, and Federal aid programs.
8. Meet with and take phone calls from current and prospective students and families and assist them with understanding the financial aid process.
9. Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate empathy, understanding, and care in all student and family interactions.
10. Present and provide coverage as needed for admissions events, local financial aid information sessions, counselor sessions, financial literacy presentations, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) nights.
11. Counsel students who plan to participate in a co-op experience and advise on the impact on financial aid and enrollment status.
12. Perform various need analysis functions using financial aid information submitted by applicants utilizing established federal, state and university standards and guidelines to determine financial need.
13. Collaborate with faculty and staff to assist students as needed.
14. Ensure the security and integrity of confidential student data.
15. Represent the Financial Aid Office through assigned University committees and collaborative programs.
16. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Functional supervision may be exercised over student assistants.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

• Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

• Two years of customer service experience in a fast-paced and high-demand environment.
• Skill and experience in project management and organizational effectiveness while maintaining strict attention to detail.
• Experience using advanced features of word processing and spreadsheet/database software.
• Experience with managing process-oriented projects.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience working in student financial aid at a college/university.
• Experience supporting and/or advising students.
• Experience delivering presentations to large audiences through face-to-face and virtual formats.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and written/oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Demonstrated ability to explain and convey complex information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work assignments independently in a complex work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to use appropriate judgement when dealing with highly confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new computer skills and features.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students and staff.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Experience using Banner and Perceptive Content.
• Experience using Zoom for individual and large group virtual presentations.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Some Evening and weekend work will be required. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The work environment is that of a typical office setting.

Department: Financial Aid

Posted: 14-Jan-25

Location: Houghton, Michigan

Type: Full-time

Internal Number: 24011

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) %: 1.00

FLSA Status: Exempt

Appointment Term: 12 months

Pay Rate/Salary: Negotiable, No less than $40,000

Title of Position Supervisor: Assistant Director

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment, or for an interview, at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.