Financial Aid Coordinator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Jonesboro (AR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Loan and Data Load Coordinator to administer Federal Direct Loan programs, manage data processing, and ensure compliance with Title IV regulations.

The role supports students, families, faculty, and staff with accurate aid processing and counseling. You will supervise the processing team, collaborate with the Financial Aid and Scholarships staff, and coordinate with Enrollment Management and Finance to deliver timely financial assistance.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: The formal education equivalent of an earned Bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred Qualifications: One (1) year of experience in student financial aid or other related areas.

Responsibilities

• Administer Federal Direct Loan programs including reviewing and processing loan increases, decreases, cancellations, and reinstatements.
• Originate, adjust, disburse, and cancel student loans in compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Review rejected records and resolve processing exceptions.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and documentation.
• Review and resolve suspended ISIRs to verify demographic information before awarding federal aid.
• Ensure compliance with Title IV regulations, federal guidance, and audit requirements.
• Perform Direct Loan reconciliation between Banner and federal systems.
• Collaborate with the Treasurer’s Office to process unclaimed refunds checks to return funds to Federal Student Aid.
• Calculate and process Return to Title IV funds for students who withdraw.
• Oversee the Processing Team functions such as Pell Grant, Direct Plus Loan, and Private Loan processing and reconciliation.

Skills

Supervisory practices

Student financial aid programs

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Banner

Job description

Overview

Position Summary: The Loan and Data Load Coordinator administers federal student loan programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. This position is responsible for loan origination, disbursement, reconciliation, Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations, overaward resolution, system data processing, and student eligibility review. The coordinator serves as a subject matter expert for student loan programs and supports students, families, faculty, and staff through professional customer service and financial aid counseling. Additionally, this position will supervise the processing team. The position works collaboratively with Financial Aid and Scholarships staff, Enrollment Management and Finance departments to ensure accurate and timely delivery of financial assistance.

Responsibilities

• Federal Loan Administration: Administer Federal Direct Loan programs (subsidized and unsubsidized loans) including reviewing and processing loan increases, decreases, cancellations, and reinstatements.

• Originate, adjust, disburse, and cancel student loans in compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

• System Processing and Data Management: Review rejected records and resolve processing exceptions.

• Maintain accurate electronic records and documentation.

• Review and resolve suspended ISIRs (Institutional Student Information Records) to verify demographic information is correct prior to awarding federal aid to students.

• Compliance and Eligibility Review: Conduct reviews for overawards, unmet need, and cost-of-attendance conflicts.

• Ensure compliance with Title IV regulations, federal guidance, institutional policies, and audit requirements.

• Reconciliation and Reporting: Perform Direct Loan reconciliation between Banner and federal systems.

• Collaborate with the Treasurer’s Office to process unclaimed refunds checks to return funds to Federal Student Aid.

• Return to Title IV (R2T4) Administration: Calculate and process Return to Title IV funds for students who withdraw.

• Ensure required adjustments and notifications are completed accurately and timely.

• Student Service and Counseling: Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person appointments. Assist students with FAFSA-related issues and aid processing requirements. Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA.

• Supervising the Processing Team: Oversee the Processing Team functions, such as Pell Grant, Direct Plus Loan, and Private Loan processing and reconciliation.

• Monitor adherence to federal, state and institutional regulations.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures, student financial aid programs, standards, and procedures. Ability to review and evaluate student financial needs, and prepare appropriate financial aid packages, disseminate information orally and in writing. Collect, analyze, compile, and record data on financial aid, and supervise the work of subordinates.

General Days/Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Additional hours as requested and/or needed
Regular and reliable attendance

Other

Please note: all position postings close at 12:00 A.M. CST on the position closing date

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: The formal education equivalent of an earned Bachelor’s degree. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or parts of these basic requirements upon the approval of the qualifications review committee.

Preferred Qualifications: One (1) year of experience in student financial aid or other related areas.