Financial Aid Specialist — Student Support

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Divinity School is seeking a Financial Aid Staff Assistant to support prospective and current students through the financial aid process, helping them understand options and navigate deadlines. This onsite role in Durham emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance within federal and institutional policies.

You will answer inquiries, review applications, package aid, maintain online resources, and coordinate with HR and student employment.

Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary education in administrative support, business, or related field.
• Three years of related clerical or office support experience.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in financial aid administration or student services in higher education.
• Familiarity with financial aid policies, funding sources, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience using PeopleSoft, Slate, or similar databases.

Responsibilities

• Counsel prospective and current students on federal financial aid processes.
• Review financial aid applications and determine eligibility and financial need, and package aid according to policies and deadlines.
• Manage student communications by phone, email, and walk-in inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial aid awards posted to bursar accounts.
• Administer programs such as federal work-study postings, external scholarships, and institutional awards.
• Maintain and enhance online resources including the division's external scholarship webpage.
• Coordinate with Divinity School HR, hiring departments, and Duke University Student Employment on student hiring processes.
• Prepare reports and data related to financial aid programs upon request.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid at recruitment, yield, and admitted-student events.

Skills

Discretion with confidential info

Word processing

Databases

Zoom

PowerPoint

Education

Two years post-secondary education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Slate

Job description

Duke Divinity School is seeking a Financial Aid Staff Assistant to support prospective and current students through the financial aid process, helping them understand options and navigate deadlines. This onsite role in Durham emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance within federal and institutional policies.

You will answer inquiries, review applications, package aid, maintain online resources, and coordinate with HR and student employment.