Program Operations Specialist

Isac; Deerfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

State Employees’ Retirement System

Educational benefits

25 vacation days/year

13 paid holidays (14 Election Day)

Tuition waiver

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) seeks a Program Operations Specialist in Deerfield, IL. The role focuses on data processing, eligibility determinations, and timely, confidential handling of scholarship, grant, and loan forgiveness programs.

The position emphasizes strong attention to detail, customer service, and structured, process-driven work with a hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of combined college coursework or work experience in office/administrative roles.
• Experience handling program data and applicant information with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Strong communication skills and customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Process and review applications for accuracy, completeness and compliance with requirements.
• Maintain records and respond with updates on application statuses and outcomes.
• Identify improvement opportunities and help implement process enhancements.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Two-year college/Associate's degree

Bachelor’s degree

Relevant work experience

Job description

Program Operations Specialist

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the State’s college access and financial aid agency. ISAC seeks a Program Operations Specialist in our Deerfield office. This behind-the-scenes position is critical for the administration of ISAC’s scholarship, grant and loan forgiveness programs. The Program Operations Specialist is responsible for collecting, processing and reviewing applicant and program data, making program eligibility determinations, and communicating status updates and outcomes to applicants and colleagues. Because our division operates with a steady, high-volume workflow, the work environment is highly structured. The person selected should thrive in a process-driven environment, enjoy computer-based tasks and be expected to demonstrate a strong attention to detail and provide exceptional customer service. To support consistent collaboration, timely processing, and team coordination, this role requires a predictable schedule within core business hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Data Processing and Management

• Review and assess program applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.


• Verify applicant information and supporting documents, ensuring adherence to state and federal financial aid guidelines.


• Maintain confidentiality of all applicant and program data in compliance with privacy laws.


• Respond to internal inquiries and provide clear updates on application statuses.

2. Quality Control

• Evaluate applications against established eligibility criteria, making informed and transparent awarding decisions.


• Track and verify application progress, keeping applicants and partners updated throughout the process.


• Maintain accurate records of applicant interactions, decisions, and communications.


• Resolve applicant concerns and complaints professionally, offering solutions with empathy and care.

3. Process Improvements

• Identify trends, challenges, and opportunities to recommend enhancements to program operations.


• Develop and implement process improvements to strengthen service and efficiency.


• Prepare operational and statistical reports to support planning and decision-making.


• Participate in staff training to remain current with program rules, best practices, and evolving procedures.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:

• Any one or combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the categories below:
  
  
  
  • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
  
  
  • Associate’s degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
  
  
  • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
  
  
  • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
  
  
  
  


• Work experience performing office, business, or customer/relations activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of ISAC programs and/or experience in financial aid.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Data entry and data management experience.


• Ability to pay attention to detail.


• ISAC offers an attractive benefits package including health, vision, and life insurance, State Employees’ Retirement System, educational benefits, and more.


• 25 earned vacation days per year.


• 13 paid holidays (14 paid holidays when there is a General Election Day) .


• Tuition waiver at select public Illinois universities and tuition reimbursements for non-public Illinois universities.

Salary Range:

$49,008 - $54,000

Work Type:

Hybrid (2 or 3 days in office)

Be part of our great mission helping Illinois students on their path to education after high school! Visit us at www.isac.org.

The person selected for this position will be required to complete a criminal background check.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas at this time.

ISAC does not discriminate against someone (applicant or employee) because of that person's race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.