Financial Aid Training Specialist (Part Time)

Denverscholarship; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students through financial aid resources and training. This part-time role offers the chance to make a significant impact in the community by supporting the development of essential financial aid training programs. You will work alongside a passionate team, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the educational journey for students and their families. If you're eager to contribute to a culture of equity and inclusion while helping students navigate their financial aid options, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support creation and implementation of financial aid trainings.
• Collaborate with the Director on financial aid outreach efforts.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Spanish Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Canva

Job description

Description

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is seeking a passionate, driven individual with the desire to learn, grow, and excel in a culture that values every member of the team. DSF was named one of the Denver’s Top Workplaces in 2024 (5 year recipient of Top Workplaces), a testament to our team and to our intentionality in co-creating a positive, inclusive work environment. In 2022, DSF was named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for by the National Association for Business Resources. When you join the DSF team, you will enjoy a supportive, and innovative environment where your work has a profound impact on the lives of students and their families.

As a nonprofit organization, DSF’s mission is to inspire and empower DPS students to enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions of higher education, by providing the tools, knowledge, and financial resources essential for success. By embodying the core values of equity, innovation, leadership, learning, relationships, and integrity in everything we do, DSF strives to be a leader within the community. As we constantly seek to improve our services, we build strong relationships with college staff members, partners, students, team members and the broader community. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, believing in the value and ability of all students and team members.

We seek candidates who will model, live, and reinforce DSF’s mission and core values with colleagues, students, families, and the broader community. If you are passionate about the philosophy and mission of DSF, then we invite you to join us and help make college possible for Denver's students.

Job Summary

Responsible for supporting creation and implementation of financial aid trainings and resources for the DSF Program team. This position is 20 hours per week, reporting to the Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid and serving as a member of the Financial Aid Task Force and Scholarship team.

Responsibilities

Financial Aid (100%)

• Actively participate in Financial Aid Task Force (FATF).
• Convene meetings of and lead Training and Resources subcommittees of FATF.
• In partnership with the Director of Scholarships & Financial aid and in collaboration with members of the FATF, identify training topics and develop and coordinate financial aid trainings for staff, volunteers, DSF partners, and community members, including creation of slides, handouts, registration forms, attendance tracking tools, and other materials as needed.
• In partnership with the Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid and in collaboration with members of the FATF, create and update materials and resources as needed to support staff, volunteers, students, and families with financial aid completion, including but not limited to the virtual & physical financial aid binders, financial aid resource hub, and financial aid workshop toolkit.
• Track announcements and updates from relevant professional organizations, including but not limited to Federal Student Aid, Colorado Department of Higher Education, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and National College Attainment Network to ensure staff is well-informed about, and trainings and resources reflect, developments in financial aid.
• Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid to design and administer financial aid knowledge checks to DSF Program staff and volunteers. Utilize data from knowledge checks to design and adjust financial aid trainings and provide follow-up trainings as needed to staff.
• Collaborate with MarComm team on financial aid outreach efforts, website updates, and other projects as needed to ensure high-quality support in all aspects of the financial aid process for students and families.
• Collaborate with appropriate DSF Events and Admin staff members and external partners on training locations and logistics, including but not limited to room rentals and online meeting setup, including setting up meeting links and rsvp forms.
• Actively participate in Staff, Program, and Advisor meetings and professional development opportunities as needed to support financial aid completion trainings.
• Support students and families with completion of FAFSA/CASFA and DSF/institutional scholarship applications.
• Other duties as assigned. Other duties may include research projects to support the Scholarship team and may include topics other than financial aid.

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Forms, Outlook)
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness with assigned tasks
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking
• Knowledge of higher education financing, student financial aid, and/or postsecondary education systems, especially FAFSA and CASFA
• Ability to effectively use a variety of technology tools including databases, various software programs, internet tools, and communication tools
• Ability to effectively analyze and solve problems through a systematic and logical approach
• Proactive problem-solver who demonstrates initiative and ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability and desire to quickly learn new software programs and other technology tools
• Ability to effectively manage numerous complex and varying routine tasks simultaneously with a focus on accuracy in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, remain flexible and adjust to changing priorities
• Ability to work with and demonstrate sensitivity to the educational needs of a diverse population
• Keen awareness of sensitive nature of DSF’s work and the need for confidentiality
• Ability to strategically employ internet searches to gather accurate, credible information on a requested subject
• Ability to interpret and synthesize the results of their research to answer questions posed by leadership.
• Strong organization skills

Highly Desired:

• Working knowledge of Canva
• Coachable, eager to learn, capable of initiating own learning, ability to implement feedback, and long-term interest in college access and success, financial aid, and scholarships
• Demonstrated passion for helping students succeed
• Ability to facilitate effective collaboration and to resolve conflict
• A sense of humor, tolerance for change, and a demonstrated ability to create a positive culture and sense of empowerment for students/families
• Spanish proficiency (oral and written)

This is a part-time position and is not eligible for paid benefits nor paid holidays. Employees will accrue sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked.

This is an hourly non-exempt position.

Job posting will remain open until 05/24/25 and may be extended if additional time is needed to gather qualified applicants.

Denver Scholarship Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Learn about DSF’s commitment to Equity & Inclusion.