Senior Financial Aid Specialist (Temporary)

Cleveland State University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland State University is seeking a Senior Financial Aid Specialist (Temporary) to join the Financial Aid Office on the Main Campus. The role involves production support, award processing, FAFSA coordination, and federal compliance, with participation on the petitions committee and Campus411 support.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree with several years in higher education financial aid, and preferred leadership or systems experience in tools like PowerFaids, PeopleSoft, or Banner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, business, or related field.
• Three years of experience in higher education financial aid or related financial institutions.
• Knowledge of Federal Student Aid Programs and federal compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial aid production support and verification process management.
• Assist with awarding, review of applications, and coordination.
• Ensure compliance with federal requirements and handle FAFSA data corrections.
• Participate in policy/procedure development and serve on petitions committee.

Skills

Federal aid knowledge

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field

Master's degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field

Tools

PowerFaids

PeopleSoft

Banner

Excel

Job description

Senior Financial Aid Specialist (Temporary)

Posting Category | Administrative and Professional

Salary Grade | 04

Salary Plan | Professional Staff - SEIU

Department | Financial Aid Office

Position Location | Main Campus

FTE | 1.0

Hours per week | 40

Work Schedule | Monday- Friday, typically 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

Full Time/Part Time | Full Time

Date grant, position, or appointment expires | 12/31/2026

Open Until Filled | Yes

Job Summary

Works as part of a self-directed team to provide financial aid production support and verification process management, including financial aid awarding, application process review and coordination, federal compliance assurance, and evaluation and correction of conflicting FAFSA information. As a team member, participates in developing and implementing procedures and policy that ensure work targets are met, production goals are maintained and federal compliance is achieved. Serves as voting member on petitions committee. Provides support to Campus411. Interacts professionally with all internal and external customers using strong interpersonal skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferably in finance, accounting, business, or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience in student financial aid. Three (3) years’ experience in higher education financial aid or related financial institutions, which may include enrollment/student service functions. Have working knowledge of the Federal Student Aid Programs, and federal compliance requirements and understanding federal regulatory workflow implications.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field. Five (5) years’ experience in higher education financial aid or related financial institutions, which may include enrollment/student service functions. Experience working with setting up financial aid administrative systems (e.g. PowerFaids, PeopleSoft, Banner) Leadership or supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of the Federal Student Aid Programs, and federal compliance requirements and understanding federal regulatory workflow implications. Strong problem solving, organizational and analytical skills. Ability to work effectively within a diverse campus community. Effective written and verbal communication skills, and decision-making abilities. Strong interpersonal skills and have a "Customer Focus" attitude and delivery. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and work as an individual contributor and an effective team player. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of the University’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or University policies or practices, including but not limited to a criminal background check.