Financial Aid Administrator

Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master's degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 10 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade.To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .Position Title: Financial Aid AdvisorReports to: Michelle WilliamsDepartment: Financial AidPurpose StatementThe Financial Aid Advisor supports the mission of the Office of Financial Aid by helping students and prospective students locate and utilize resources to fund their education at the institution while adhering to regulatory requirements. Candidates have the possibility of working a hybrid schedule after the training period.This full-time, salary, non-exempt position reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid.Essential FunctionsAnalyze and verify aid applications to ensure compliance with all state, federal financial aid, institutional and program regulations and make awards in line with established guidelines.Provide customer service and counsel students on Federal, State and Institutional financial aid as well as scholarship and loan options; serve as information resource for financial aid and assigned programs.Advise students as to satisfactory progress within their declared program of study.Communicate with various on-campus departments through person-to-person, email, phone, Microsoft teams and written correspondence and documentation of information specific program requirements.Process awards and provide written and verbal communication to financial aid applicants and prospective student groups.Update necessary application documents each year to ensure students apply for and are awarded in a timely manner in line with state and institutional processes and deadlines.Manage and oversee awarding of Graduate Borrower-Based Loan ProgramsManage and oversee coordination of Private Loan processing in ELMResponsible for auditing of federal loan programs and resolution of errors in the system.Manage monthly authorization of Federal Work Study program.Attend state and regional trainings as necessary to remain current on policies, procedures and regulations specific to federal financial aid programs.Serve as the first point of contact for students by helping answer inbound financial aid calls and responding to emails. Heavy phone and email volume responsibility daily.Regularly attend webinars, meetings, and trainings to stay updated on changing policies and procedures.Follow up on student inquiries regarding financial aid process to ensure that aid is packaged and disbursed to their accounts.Understand and communicate the award policies and procedures and how they affect the student.Research and understand the verification process, professional judgments, and C-codes.Assist with monthly information sessions, open house, financial literacy workshops, and College 101 courses.Participate in a committee to evaluate institutional scholarship applications on an annual basis.Accurately track all interactions with students and financial aid documents within our student record systems.Identify and escalate priority issues to the appropriate resources as defined by business practices.Research student records and provide detailed information regarding tuition and fees, payment plans, etc.Job RequirementsBachelor's DegreeExcellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skillsMust be comfortable working with others over the phone, zoom or Microsoft teams, have a clear speaking voice, and a professional and personable demeanorPerform daily responsibilities in a professional, friendly, and efficient mannerMust be self-motivated and willing to seek out new challenges and informationAble to work independently as well as collaboratively as a team member, communicating concerns and bringing resolution to issuesPossess excellent written and verbal communication skillsProficient with Microsoft Office tools, specifically advanced Excel features and OutlookMust be punctual; be able to work with constant interruptions and pressure of deadlinesWilling to work evening and weekends when requiredPreferred Qualifications:Previous experience in higher educationPrevious experience with federal and state financial aidExperience with Ellucian Colleague or other student information system, other federal aid systemsKnowledge of general accounting, tuition, and billing proceduresPlease be sure to upload your Resume and Cover Letter with your application. Applications without both the Resume and Cover Letter will not be considered.Salary Range:$65,000 - $69,000 annually, depending on experience and qualificationsThis will be a full time, hybrid position. Salary is commensurate with experience. DigiPen offers a competitive benefits package.Benefits:Dental, medical, and vision (begins the first of the month following 60 days of employment)Two weeks of vacation in the first year, with increasing accrual each year thereafter14 paid holidaysAn additional paid week off between Christmas and New Year's in addition to personal vacation accrual401K after one year FT service, match vested immediatelyCompany-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance after one yearFree DigiPen tuition for yourself to start; discounts for family after one yearComplimentary soda, coffee, and teaFree campus parkingConsideration for the position will continue until filled. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.Equal Opportunity Employer