Financial Aid Specialist

Milwaukee Area Technical College; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee Area Technical College is looking for a Financial Aid Specialist to advise students on financial aid programs and ensure they navigate the application process effectively. The role requires three years of experience in relevant fields, ongoing communication with a diverse student population, and compliance with educational regulations.

The ideal candidate will possess strong counseling skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to student success. Offering a full-time position, it involves working both independently and collaboratively in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in financial aid or higher education administration.
• Ability to navigate complex eligibility requirements.
• Strong commitment to equity and student success.

Responsibilities

• Guide students on financial matters and aid applications.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Represent the Financial Aid Office at outreach events.

Skills

Financial aid counseling

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Cultural competency

Education

Associate's degree in a related field

Bachelor's degree in a related field (preferred)

Tools

FAFSA

Google Suite

Spreadsheets

Job description

Overview

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is Wisconsin's largest and most diverse technical college, offering 170+ high-quality programs that connect students to a career in as little as one to two years. The college also offers a less expensive path to a four-year degree. MATC is transforming lives, industry and our community by preparing students today for the careers of tomorrow. Together, we are meeting the needs of the community we share and are focused on students with the greatest needs. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team who shares the same passion in serving this purpose. Learn more about MATC at www.matc.edu.

Under the supervision of the Financial Aid Supervisor for Student Services, the Financial Aid Specialist provides comprehensive advising to current and prospective students regarding available financial aid programs and application procedures. This position supports students throughout the financial aid process, helping them navigate often complex eligibility requirements, forms, and deadlines. Assists with the administration and processing of aid to ensure timely and accurate awarding. The role works closely with a diverse student population, including individuals from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. The role requires a strong commitment to equity and student success, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately while guiding students through challenging and often unfamiliar processes. Work is detailed and diversified requiring professional judgment, analysis of individual circumstances, and decision‑making in alignment with established policies and procedures. General supervision is used only for problems or unusual conditions. Works both independently and with staff in a teamwork approach.

Responsibilities

• Financial Aid Advising: Guides students on educational related financial matters including budget planning, their rights and responsibilities related to financial aid, including terms and conditions of aid programs and repayment obligations, and related financial aid options. Supports students through in‑person appointments and drop‑ins, virtually through Zoom and other platforms, and timely email responses.
• Student Support and Application Guidance: Explains financial aid procedures, eligibility requirements, and deadlines to ensure students understand the full application process. Provides guidance to students as they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and required follow‑up documentation and also provides guidance to students in completing applications for various types of financial aid, including federal and state grants, loans, scholarships, and work‑study programs. Troubleshoots problems with FAFSA submission and student portals.
• Recordkeeping and Compliance: Maintains accurate records, generates reports, and remains up‑to‑date with Department of Education regulatory changes. Reads and interprets regulations relevant to Title IV student financial aid assistance programs. Conducts federal verification processes in compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring accuracy and completeness of student financial aid files. Guides students on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards and guides them through the appeal process to help maintain their eligibility for federal student aid.
• Outreach and Education: Represents the MATC Financial Aid Office at outreach events, workshops, and orientation sessions, including high school visits and community events. Delivers presentations on financial aid processes and promotes financial wellness resources.
• Problem Solving and Communication: Reviews and evaluates complex student situations, including provisional independent status, unaccompanied homeless youth determinations, and special circumstances requiring professional judgment. Ensures adherence to institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Practices honesty by demonstrating consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, values, truthfulness, and accuracy in all actions. Addresses all student and employee behavior in a confidential and respectful manner.
• Cross Functional Relationships and Collaborative Teamwork: Establishes, maintains and enhances positive working relationships with staff, faculty and administrators.
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Maintains current knowledge of best practices and standards in higher education with an emphasis on community colleges. Actively participates in applicable workgroups, trainings, workshops, seminars, committees and professional associations or conferences to promote continuous learning.
• Other duties: Performs other related duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional objectives.

Qualifications

Compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation standards/requirements, as well as all MATC policies and procedures.

Required Education & Experience: Associate's degree in a related field and three (3) years of experience in a financial aid, higher education administration, or financial institution office/role.

Preferred Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least two (2) years of experience in a financial aid, higher education administration, or financial institution office/role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of financial aid federal sites.
• Knowledge and ability to counsel students and parents on FAFSA application and utilization while effectively communicating financial aid award options (e.g. institutional grants and scholarships, Pell Grant, Wisconsin Grant, Federal Work‑Study, and Federal Student loans).
• Proficient in performing accurate numerical calculations, with strong attention to detail in data entry and analysis.
• Ability to problem solve effectively.
• Ability to overcome obstacles by engaging internal and external resources.
• Ability to complete projects in a higher education setting.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment delivering excellent student service support.
• Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means.
• Ability to establish, collaborate and maintain effective work relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, representatives of outside agencies, educational institutions, and the general public.
• Ability to convey an image of professionalism and dedication in work related activities.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse student and employee populations.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and software specific to position, including spreadsheets and Google Suite.
• Ability to successfully work independently as well as in cross functional teams.

Supplemental Information

Start Date: This position supports the Financial Aid Department and is available starting as soon as possible. This position will be based out the Downtown Campus.

Hours: This position is full‑time with hours available Monday‑Friday between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm.

Salary: Salary is listed to the midpoint of the salary range. Rates are determined by years of experience credit and internal salary equity.

Application Materials: Along with your completed applications, please upload a resume and cover letter. Education will be formally verified prior to offer.

Interviews: Selected candidates will be invited to virtually interview for this position after the application deadline.

Milwaukee Area Technical College will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, union affiliation, arrest and conviction record, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law.

Milwaukee Area Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access Educator/Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need special accommodation for the application process, please contact our office at 414‑297‑6529 (Wisconsin Relay System: 711) or email [e-mail].