This position is both a generalist and specialist position.  As a generalist, this position has undergraduate and graduate student caseload management responsibilities.  As a specialist, this position is responsible for the overall administration and compliance of the Federal Direct Loan Program, Private Alternative Loan Program, Clarkson Loan Program, management of all aspects of the graduate federal loan awarding process, financial literacy, exit counseling, and the graduate and loan sections of the website.  Responsible for training of other financial aid staff, SAS Specialists, and Graduate Coordinators as needed in order to achieve departmental objectives.

Student Caseload Management

• Responsible for the overall financial aid management of a caseload of undergraduate and graduate students as determined by the Director of Financial Aid. Financial aid management includes independent decision making beginning with the receipt of the ISIR to initial packaging and follow-up as required in order to meet departmental goals and ensure compliance. The entire aid application process includes ISIR review, verification, resolution of c-flags and conflicting information, special circumstances and appeals processing (professional judgment), need analysis, packaging, PLUS loan processing, TAP eligibility determination, review of suspended and subsequent ISIRs, aid revisions, and exit counseling. A general understanding of financial aid satisfactory academic progress policies and procedures is also required
• Interact daily with and counsel students and parents regarding financial aid issues
• Plan and conduct presentations for various graduate and undergraduate students and families in collaboration with other financial aid staff, train staff as needed
• Act as a liaison with other departments regarding financial aid regulations, awarding, and student concerns

Federal Direct Loan Program, Alternative Loans, and Technical

• Provides leadership, supervision, and management in the administration of the Federal Direct Loan Program. This includes the awarding, origination, and disbursement totaling in excess of $30,000,000 annually
• Oversight of the FA term and budget build process in PeopleSoft
• Conduct testing of new bundles/images in PeopleSoft
• Oversee graduate alternative loan process and manage ELM file process

Clarkson Loan Administration

• Responsible for the overall administration of the Clarkson Loan Program

Financial Literacy, Entrance and Exit Loan Counseling, Default Management Monitoring

• Serve as financial literacy contact for members of the University community requesting personalize assistance
• Manage exit counseling process
• Update loan information on website
• Serve as main contact with ECMC and manage default loan process

Reconciliation Manager

• Responsible for overseeing the reconciliation of direct loans and private loans
• Additional Duties
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid in ensuring compliance with all university policies and state and federal financial aid regulations as well as developing policies and procedures
• Actively pursue training and knowledge regarding changes in federal and state laws and regulations.
• Serve as the Financial Aid Office representative on institutional committees as deemed appropriate by Director.
• Perform other related duties including special projects and research as needed.

Education:
Minimal Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree

Experience:

Minimal Qualifications:
• 2+ years professional experience, preferably in financial aid or related field

Preferred Experience:
• Experience in PeopleSoft, ELM, EDconnect, NSLDS, COD, FPP
• Account Reconciliation
• Supervisory Experience

Other Requirement: Not in default on a federal student loan

• Perform various financial aid functions and processes utilizing an in-depth knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations pertaining to student eligibility, verification, awarding, disbursement, cost of attendance, administrative capability, and compliance
• Independent judgment, analytical and problem solving skills
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Suite and Google
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse, integrated, and dynamic team of professionals
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulations pertaining to all aspects of financial aid administration
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills are required
• Ability to speak in front of groups
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle a variety of tasks and sensitive issues while maintaining a professional, collaborative, responsible, cooperative, and polite demeanor
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records