Financial Aid Coordinator

Cape Fear Community College; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Fear Community College seeks a Financial Aid Coordinator to assist with administration of federal, state, institutional, and scholarship aid programs. You will counsel students and families, review applications, determine eligibility, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies.

The role requires accurate processing, strong customer service, and effective communication with students, families, faculty, and staff.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; higher may be preferred.
• Experience with federal student aid programs and Title IV compliance is desirable.
• Knowledge of federal/state laws and institutional policies relevant to financial aid.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Strong communication

Regulatory compliance

Data accuracy

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

COD

NSLDS

Microsoft Excel

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.

Ability To

• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrate commitment to student success and equity in access to education.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive records.

• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
  1. Making observations
  2. Reading and writing
  3. Communicating with others
  4. Operating assigned equipment
  5. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:
  1. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
  2. Operating assigned equipment
  3. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
  4. Bending, stooping, climbing, or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Maintain mental capacity, which allow the capability of:
  1. Making sound decisions
  2. Responding to questions
  3. Demonstrating intellectual capabilities

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.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.
• Candidates are required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all degrees obtained prior to their first day of work or hire date. If the highest level of education is a High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.
• Applicants who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.