Financial Aid Specialist, Incoming Scholarships (Project Management)

The Financial Aid Office's focus is to eliminate unnecessary barriers to college access and completion. Our goal is to simplify the financial aid process as much as possible, and to make sure students are always engaged and aware of the next step. Our office allows us to reach students earlier and more efficiently, to have important conversations with students about their individual situations and what needs to be done to help them persist and succeed.

We need someone who exhibits:

Integrity: Accountability for doing the right thing by exercising good judgment and honesty. Ability to create a safe environment for students and families and team members, including having emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Transparency and thoughtfulness in communication.

 

Care: Prioritization of creating the best experience possible for each person we encounter and at every step of the student experience. Providing service to others by being friendly, approachable and inclusive. Commitment to collaboration and to being a team player with a positive attitude.

 

Inclusivity, which is the ability to work with a diverse group of people and having the ability to relate and be relatable to all those we serve. Intentionality: Strong work ethic and contribution to the excellence of the Division of Enrollment Management, OAR and OU; self-motivation. Consistency in meeting deadlines and responding in a timely manner.

 

Innovation: Possession of a natural curiosity to learn and a continual pursuit of personal and professional growth in the field of college enrollment management. A focus on innovation, displaying an understanding of positive change and possessing a strong analytic ability. Efficiency by researching best practices, making creativity a priority.

 

Essential Duties:  Coordinates scholarship information. Responsible for various office and financial aid tasks. Performs routine to moderately complex job responsibilities.   

• Budgets scholarship funds. Assists campus partners with managing scholarship applications and award cycle. Prepares scholarship applications for review and consideration. Verifies award eligibility. Processes award decisions and disbursement requests. 
• Communicate with students concerning additional documentation needed to continue financial aid processing and inquiries regarding load. Releases scholarship award offers to students. Responsible for reviewing financial aid e-mails and responding to questions. Send out global e-mail messages to students and groups of students concerning various issues at Director's request. 
• Initiates verification process and subsequently reviews verification documentation submitted by students. Completes system updates with information submitted for verification and troubleshoots any discrepancies. Prepares or coordinates OU Foundation scholarship requests from various colleges. Notifies counselors of these awards so student records can be updated. Verifies students' enrollment and accuracy of award. 
• Initial contact for students and parents. Provides answers for basic application and processing questions to students and parents. Provides general office and administrative support by performing various data maintenance, reception, records activities, information distribution, correspondence, and other related support duties. 
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the overall successful operation of the department. 

Required Education: High School Diploma or GED, AND: 

• 24 months financial aid general office, clerical, or related experience.

Skills:

• Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information
• Knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff
• Strong initiative to solve problems
• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives
• Customer service

Certifications:

• None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to reach, stand, engage in repetitive motions, grasp, move, feel, touch, communicate, hear and see including color, depth perception and clarity.

Departmental Preferences:

• Bachelors Degree and 18-36 months experience in Financial Aid/Scholarships
• Experience in University Processes and Communications

Supervision: No Supervisory Duties

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.