Collections Specialist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Collections Specialist to develop a program aimed at reducing defaulted student accounts. The role involves contacting students, explaining collection procedures, and supporting various operations within the office.

Qualified candidates should possess a high school diploma and experience in Accounts Receivable. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and is essential in helping students resolve their accounts.

For full consideration, please apply online by providing references and a letter of intent with your resume.

Qualifications

• Experience working in Accounts Receivable.
• Knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and FERPA.
• Ability to manage multiple, high-priority responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform collection efforts via telephone and email focusing on 'at risk' accounts.
• Prepare documentation for third-party collection agencies.
• Assist students with past due accounts and explain collection procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Accounts Receivable applications

Job description

About the Department

The Controller's Office establishes and monitors the university’s internal control framework, collaborates with university units to establish fiscal processes, and provides guidance to academic and administrative units related to administrative policies and procedures. It maintains close working relationships with the Office of Budget and Planning, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Human Resources, and Payroll. The goal of the Controller's Office is to provide excellent customer service and minimize costs through demonstrating consistent progress toward increasing flexibility, reducing administrative burden, eliminating "no value added" efforts, and automating transaction processing.

About the Position

The Collections Specialist develops and maintains a program that reduces defaulted student accounts write-off costs by focusing on earlier identification and intervention of "at risk" accounts prior to the start of the collection process. The role contacts students to explain Commonwealth of Virginia collection procedures and refers students, when applicable, to other departments for assistance; works independently and makes decisions that impact collections within university policies; provides a central point of communication for collection agencies, loan services, and internal staff; performs various reconciliations as directed; and supports daily, weekly, and monthly operations.

Responsibilities

• Performs collection efforts via telephone and email focusing on "at risk" accounts prior to the start of the formal collection process;
• Assists students with past due accounts, explaining Commonwealth of Virginia collection procedures and counseling them on steps to resolve past due accounts;
• Prepares documentation for submission to third‑party collection agencies and the Office of the Attorney General – Division of Debt;
• Supports the university's participation in the Commonwealth of Virginia's Debt Set‑Off Program with the Department of Taxation;
• Acts as a central point of communication for collection agencies, loan servicers, and internal staff on collection matters; and
• Assists other Student Accounts Office staff with cash receipt processing, account maintenance, form intake and processing, report review and processing, and other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience working in Accounts Receivable;
• Knowledge and understanding of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FERPA, and Accounts Receivable applications;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with people at a variety of competency levels;
• Skills in written and oral communication, with the ability to effectively communicate complex material;
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills;
• Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, and email systems;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, concurrent high‑priority responsibilities in a time‑pressure environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in higher education and/or Student Accounts;
• Detailed understanding of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FERPA, and Accounts Receivable applications.

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Collections Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Dates

Open Date: June 10, 2026

Apply by: June 24, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Equal Opportunity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.