Financial Aid Specialist

Unity Environmental University; New Gloucester (ME); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Unity Environmental University is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist to support the Director of Student Financial Solutions. You will administer financial aid policies, assist students with needs and requirements, and generate reports using the financial aid system.

The role requires an associate degree and 1–2 years in finance, strong organizational and communication skills, and a willingness to learn federal and state aid programs while collaborating with staff across campus.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 1–2 years of financial experience.
• Willingness to learn federal and state financial aid programs.
• Basic knowledge of accounting and billing services.
• Ability to interpret regulations and communicate with students.

Responsibilities

• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Conduct student aid reviews including packaging and verification.
• Advise staff on financial aid procedures and student accounts.
• Prepare and maintain publications and manuals for student aid.
• Assist with awarding adjustments and inquiries.
• Communicate with recruitment and student success teams.
• Attend trainings and report to leadership.
• Perform outreach and travel as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Report writing

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Database software

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

Job Title: Financial Aid Specialist (FAS)
Location: Pineland Campus - New Gloucester, ME 04260
Position Type: Enterprise - Staff

Job Overview

The Financial Aid Specialist (FAS) supports the Director of Student Financial Solutions through the administration and dissemination of financial aid policies and procedures for Unity Environmental University constituents. This role works directly with staff to support students in managing financial needs and requirements, manages student financial aid programs, and uses financial aid information systems to produce reports and retrieve information for program management.

Responsibilities

• Monitor program compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies using system and quality controls.
• Conduct student aid reviews, including needs analysis, budgeting, packaging, verification, loan processing, certification, and tracking.
• Advise student‑facing staff on financial aid and student account matters such as application procedures, borrowing, employment, outside aid, and alternative funding.
• Provide support and clarification to Recruitment and Student Success teams on relaying financial aid updates to admitted and current students.
• Assist in adjusting financial aid awards.
• Answer incoming phone calls, emails, and cases.
• Coordinate the mailing of lender notifications, entrance and exit counseling, and award letters.
• Assist in the creation, revision, and updating of publications, standardized letters, manuals, and forms used in student aid.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of business procedures related to financial aid administration.
• Review and maintain student files.
• Perform outreach activities as assigned by the Director of Student Financial Solutions.
• Attend required trainings to learn and maintain necessary skills.
• Pro‑actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and a minimum of 1‑2 years of experience with finances, bookkeeping, or equivalent education/experience.
• Willingness to learn basic knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and to provide a demonstrated commitment to student aid.
• Basic knowledge of accounting and billing services.
• Independent judgement, high motivation, and strong organizational skills.
• Flexibility with good interpersonal skills.
• Able to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Able to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals.
• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from students, parents, staff, managers, and the public.
• Able to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference; apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Knowledge of computerized database systems, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Able to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous and well poised.

Work Schedule / Availability Requirements

Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and may include days, evenings, and weekends as scheduled by the supervisor to best support students. Working extended hours may be required as needed. The employee must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling responsibilities and meeting the institution’s needs, including occasional travel to attend events, meetings, or temporary assignments at any Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally stand or walk and lift up to 40 lbs. Specific vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception, as well as the ability to adjust focus. Repetitive hand movements, including grasping and fine manipulation, and the use of the telephone for internal and external communications are required.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed mostly in an office setting with a normally moderate noise level. Exposure to temperature or humidity changes occurs 1‑33% of the time.