Financial Aid Specialist

Lake Michigan College; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance premium covered

Paid time off

Retirement contribution

On-site work

Job summary

Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, MI seeks a Financial Aid Specialist to manage key processing and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

Responsibilities include verification, professional judgment, scholarship reviews, and reporting; also outreach to high schools.

Requirements include a bachelor's or associate with plan to complete, and strong organizational and communication skills; on-site work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with minimum 1 year relevant work experience, or associate’s degree with plan to complete Bachelor’s.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in financial aid or similar regulated industry.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with financial aid applications and inquiries.
• Perform eligibility determinations and verification for federal, state, or local aid.
• Apply professional judgment per the Department of Education rules when directed.
• Prepare and review financial aid reports and data.
• Conduct outreach activities at local high schools and campus events.
• Maintain accuracy of student data in the student information system.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate’s degree with plan to complete Bachelor’s

Tools

Banner

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Benefits start on first day of hire! Extensive paid time off (including Spring Break), College fully pays the in-network health insurance deductible, minimum of 10% employer retirement contribution per payroll, and much more!https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/about .

Thrive in Southwest Michigan Official transcripts required upon hire.
Monday through Thursday summer work hours apply to this position.Information on our standard hiring process: Lake Michigan College will accept applications on this position for at least 14 days. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications as received. Once the search committee has determined which applicants they would like to interview, those applicants will be contacted. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] .

Position Information

Position Information (Default Section)

Posting Number

Posting Number 0001064

Position Title:

Reports to:

Department:

Department: Student Support Services

Classification:

Classification: Non-Exempt

If 'Classified,' 'Facilities,' or 'On-call,' hours per week:

Full or Part-time:

Full or Part-time: Full Time

Job Summary:

This position manages key Financial Aid processes and possess a full knowledge of all the regulations and guidelines concerning financial aid, the ability to perform verification, and the ability to exercise professional judgment in accordance with the Department of Education’s rules and guidelines.

Incumbents in this position support student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness by ensuring state and federal compliance are met and encouraging student success through the Financial Aid process.

College Intro:

Lake Michigan College, located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, is a vibrant community college committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. The college offers a diverse range of programs and degrees, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on student success, Lake Michigan College prepares students for a variety of careers and further education opportunities. Whether you’re looking to start your college journey, enhance your skills, or explore new career paths, Lake Michigan College provides the resources and support needed to succeed.

Essential Functions:

1. Assists students and prospective students with their applications for financial aid; 2. Performs any and all clerical work related to financial aid administration; 3. Performs eligibility determinations and verification for any federal, state, or local aid program; 4. Uses professional judgment (as defined by the Department of Education) when directed; 5. Serve as a reviewer for scholarship applications and appeals; 6. Plans and monitors specific projects, ensuring they are carried out on time and in compliance; 7. Identifies and researches potential problems and make recommendations for action to director; 8. Works with Director, Information Technology staff, and any other relevant parties as necessary to update the student information system to make necessary changes to financial aid processing as a result of new regulations, policies, procedures, and/or aid years; 9. Participates in the annual program planning process, including staff meetings and retreats; 10. Maintains current knowledge of all laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to financial aid programs and analyze policies and procedures to ensure compliance; 11. Corresponds with Lake Michigan College personnel, students, parents, and various outside agencies to resolve conflicts of information and any other concerns related to financial aid; 12. Serves as primary administrator and point-of-contact for specific financial aid programs or activities (e.g. loan processing, work-study, outside scholarships, state grant programs, etc.) 13. Assists Director with the preparation of various financial aid reports; 14. Conducts outreach activities at local high schools, community functions, and on-campus events; 15. Performs a variety of technical duties in the review, evaluation, maintenance, reconciliation and adjustment of financial aid accounts; 16. Ensures accuracy of student and financial data in all transactions involving the student information system or any other software used by the department; 17. Creates queries and extract data to prepare and maintain a variety of statistical records and reports related to financial aid and its administration; 18. Serves as a financial aid representative on committees or workgroups as necessary

Other Duties:

Job Specifications:

Bachelor’s degree required and minimum 1-year relevant work experience, or associate’s degree with plan to complete Bachelor’s degree in business or finance preferred. Minimum 2 years’ experience in financial aid or other heavily regulated industry experience required. Banner experience preferred. Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, and high level of confidence required. Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of staff students.
To provide the best service to our external and internal customers, all positions at Lake Michigan College require regular and predicable on-site attendance as an essential job functions. Under certain circumstances, the College may consider alternative work arrangements and will do so in compliance with and according to the parameters outlined in the College’s Flexible Scheduling and Remote Work Options policy.

Hiring Range:

Hiring Range: $19.75 - $25.70

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Benefits start on first day of hire! Extensive paid time off (including Spring Break), College fully pays the in-network health insurance deductible, minimum of 10% employer retirement contribution per payroll, and much more!https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/about .

Thrive in Southwest Michigan Official transcripts required upon hire.
Monday through Thursday summer work hours apply to this position.Information on our standard hiring process: Lake Michigan College will accept applications on this position for at least 14 days. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications as received. Once the search committee has determined which applicants they would like to interview, those applicants will be contacted. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] .

Open Date: 09/08/2026

Closing Date: 10/09/2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have an Associate's degree or higher?
  • No Response
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have at least two years experience in a financial aid office or other heavily regulated industry?
  • Yes
  • No