Operations Specialist

Inside Higher Ed; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution located in Boston is looking for an Operations Specialist to assist with financial aid systems processing and reporting. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Associate Director and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Responsibilities include certifying loans, documenting processes, and providing counseling to students. This full-time position requires a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in financial aid operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in an automated financial aid office.
• Applied knowledge of Title IV regulations required.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with financial aid processing and reporting.
• Certify federal, state, and private loans for students.
• Document financial aid processes and assist with compliance.
• Work with the office team to streamline processes and adapt to competing priorities.
• Process and certify loans and handle daily import/export of financial aid transactions; use third party software for private loans.
• Communicate with borrowers and lenders to resolve discrepancies and document processes.
• Counsel students and families within financial aid regulations and policies.
• Represent the office on University committees and participate in meetings to stay updated on policies.

Skills

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Ability to communicate effectively

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job no: 529267

Position Type: Staff Full Time

Campus: UMass Boston

Department: Financial Aid Office

Pay Grade: 29

Date opened: 15 Dec 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 12 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time

General Summary

The Operations Specialist, reporting directly to the Senior Associate Director of Operations, will assist with systems processing and reporting aspects of Peoplesoft as well as student loan programs including, but not limited to, loan certification and payment authorization. Loan programs include, but are not limited to, Federal Direct Student Loan, Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan, Mass Education Finance Authority, and other alternative loan programs.

Examples of Duties

• Maintains thorough and current knowledge of all federal, state, and institutional regulations and procedures to ensure accurate processing and program compliance.
• Assist the Senior Associate Director with weekly and annual packaging processes, resolving c-flag/ISIR issues, packaging set-up and monitoring, and awarding on an individual/population level basis.
• Assisting in manual adjustments to financial aid packages.
• Provide back-up to other members of the operational staff responsible for pre- and post- packaging quality control, including c-flags, federal eligibility, ISIR suspense, grade level changes, and data entry.
• Work collaboratively as part of the office’s operation team; adapt to competing priorities; and help develop solutions to streamline office processes.
• Process and certify federal, state and private loans for students and their parents; daily import and export of federal financial aid transactions using federal government software. Utilize third party software for the processing of private alternative loans.
• Communicating with borrowers and lenders to resolve discrepancies as necessary.
• Assist with documenting financial aid processes.
• Responsible for counseling students and families to achieve desired outcomes within the boundaries of financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
• Represents the Student Financial Aid Services office on University committees, as assigned.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and conferences to keep abreast of local, regional and national financial aid policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 1-3 years of experience in an automated financial aid office, preferably in a higher education setting, required. Applied knowledge of regulatory requirements governing the financial aid programs required. Knowledge of Title IV regulations surrounding federal verification, student eligibility, aid applications and other aid requirements required. Ability to work evenings and weekends, as requested.

Application Instructions

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Salary Information

Grade: 29

Salary Ranges: Link not provided

This is an exempt union position.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

EEO Statement

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [e-mail] or 617-287-5150.