Financial Aid Manager

Northeastern Illinois University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Sick days

Vacation days

Job summary

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Financial Aid Operations Specialist to provide technical and fiscal reporting support within the Financial Aid Office and to join the Executive Director’s leadership team.

The role manages Direct Loan data transmission, supervises staff, and ensures compliance with federal loan programs. Daily tasks include reporting, system updates, training, and collaboration across campus to support student aid processes.

Qualifications

• Three years of combined college coursework or related work experience.
• Two years of higher education, student services, or related experience.
• One year of supervisory experience in higher education, student services, or related setting.

Responsibilities

• Direct Loan Data Transmission and staff supervision.
• Thorough knowledge of FSA software and internet applications (e.g., EdConnect, COD, SAIG, Partner Portal).
• Run Banner reports to verify student enrollment and academic progress status.
• Train staff on loan certification, loan counseling requirements, and loan status updates.
• Submit updates to lenders and/or servicers via ELM One and NSLDS.
• Responsible for returning funds to the U.S. Department of Education and private lenders when ineligible.

Skills

Staff supervision

Loan data transmission

FSA software

Training staff

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate's Degree

Three years college coursework

Tools

EdConnect

COD

SAIG

NSLDS

ELM One

Banner

Job description

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.Job Summary:Provides technical and fiscal reporting support to the financial aid office and serves as a member of the Executive Director’s leadership team. Provides administrative, technical and supervisory support in the management flow of Federal Direct Loans, Parent (PLUS) and other agency loans.Job Description:Direct Loan Data Transmission & Staff SupervisionResponsible for the electronic transmission of Direct Loan data as well as the supervision of staff that assists with that effort.Thorough knowledge of FSA software and internet applications (e.g., EdConnect, COD, SAIG, Partner Portal, Knowledge Center, NSLDS).Transmits, imports, exports and monitors the flow of data to and from external agencies and NEIU.Addresses problems and correspondence related to student loan records and in-house flow of student loan files during the monthly reconciliation process.Submits updates to lenders and/or servicers as needed via ELM One and NSLDS.Trains staff on loan certification, loan counseling requirements and loan status updates.Student Loan Eligibility & Program AdministrationResponsible for determining student eligibility for both Federal Direct and private loan programs.Thorough knowledge of all types of student loan program eligibility including Federal Perkins, Federal Direct, Graduate PLUS, Parent and private loans.Running Banner reports to verify student enrollment and academic progress status.Running Banner process to create Direct Loan originations and for ELM trouble- shooting.Work with UTS to update new year roll data, upgrades and patches into ERP.Federal Aid & Loan Refund ComplianceResponsible for returning any funds to the U.S. Department of Education FSA and private lenders when and if a borrower is determined to be ineligible.Work with ELM One on any system challenges or institutional policy changes.Responsible for verifying accuracy of student enrollment and academic progress status.Running Banner processes to create electronic loan applications for Direct Loans.Financial Aid Systems Support & ReportingResponsible for computer systems support, including coordination of daily maintenance and retrieving information for reporting.Serves as a resource person for implementing system-based solutions to financial aid programs, including monitoring loan limits, program length.Curriculum Instruction Program (CIP) codes.Performs other duties/special projects as assigned.Minimal Qualifications:1. Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:A. College coursework in any discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)B. Work experience managing office, business, or customer service/relations activities.2. Two (2) years (24 months) of higher education, student services, or closely related experience.3. One (1) year (12 months) of supervisory experience in higher education, student services, or closely related setting.Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. (Hours vary based on departmental needs).Location: NEIU Main Campus (5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625)Setting: In-office, not eligible for hybrid or remote work.This position requires a background check.Salary Range$30.66/hourlyBenefitsUniversity employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.