Financial Aid Coordinator

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) seeks a Financial Aid Coordinator to support federal, state, institutional, and scholarship aid administration. You will counsel students and families, review applications, and ensure compliance with FERPA and federal regulations.

The role emphasizes accurate processing, timely communication, and collaboration with campus partners to support student access and success. On-site in Wilmington, NC, with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Two years of higher education experience in student services or financial aid.
• Familiarity with financial aid regulations and processing systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate guidance and counseling to students and families on financial aid programs and deadlines.
• Review and process financial aid applications and documentation per regulations.
• Determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and other aid.
• Resolve issues related to verification, SAP, over awards, and enrollment changes.
• Maintain compliance with FERPA, Title IV, and institutional policies.
• Communicate with students, families, faculty, and external agencies about financial aid matters.

Skills

Customer service

Counseling

FERPA compliance

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Document imaging systems

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting

Bachelor’s Degree in public administration

Job description

DEFINITION

The Financial Aid Coordinator assists in the administration of federal, state, institutional, and scholarship financial aid programs. This position provides high-quality customer service to students, families, faculty, and staff while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. The Financial Aid Coordinator supports student success through accurate processing, counseling, and communication regarding financial aid eligibility and procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receive direction from the Director of Financial Aid.

ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS STATEMENTS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions

• Provide accurate guidance and counseling to students and families regarding financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
• Review and process financial aid applications and supporting documentation in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and donor requirements.
• Determine and monitor student eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans, work‑study, and other financial assistance programs.
• Resolve issues related to verification, conflicting information, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), professional judgment, over awards, and enrollment changes.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal Title IV regulations, state guidelines, institutional policies, and accreditation standards.
• Process corrections, adjustments, and revisions to student financial aid records as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and institutional procedures.
• Utilize institutional systems and software to review, update, and manage student financial aid information.
• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner, with students, parents, faculty, staff, and external agencies regarding financial aid matters.
• Assist with outreach activities including orientations, workshops, recruitment events, and financial literacy initiatives.
• Collaborate with other campus departments to support enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.
• Assist with reconciliation, reporting, audit preparation, and program reviews as assigned.
• Remain current on financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices through ongoing professional development.
• Provide excellent customer service in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to visit other campuses
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities as they apply to a financial aid office.
• Pertinent federal, state, college and local policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations governing financial aid programs.
• Federal software and web‑based financial aid products, (such as FSA, NSLDS, COD)
• Computer database applications including, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and document imaging systems.
• Record keeping and reporting procedures.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Minimum Education/Training

• An Associate's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Minimum Experience

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in Higher Education in the areas of Student Services or Financial Aid.

Preferred Education/Training, Experience, Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, accounting, or public administration
• Experience working in a college or university financial aid office.
• Familiarity with Title IV regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience using Ellucian Colleague or similar student information systems.
• Experience with financial aid processing systems such as COD, NSLDS, or StudentAid.gov.