Lead Financial Aid Specialist (Project Management)

This position requires a meticulous and detail-oriented person. They provide a vital role in efficiently and accurately processing student financial aid, ensuring compliance with regulations and institutional policies.  This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment. 

Duties:

• Review and verify. Review and verify student financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance with regulations.  Independently assess income documentation to ensure its alignment with federal guidelines and institutional policies.
• Professional Judgment Assessments. Exercise independent judgment to assess unique student circumstances and make discretionary adjustments to aid packages. Evaluate a student's appeal for additional aid due to sudden medical expenses and independently decide on modifying the award based on the situation.
• Problem Resolution and Communication. Exercise independent judgment to address loan-related inquiries, concerns, and discrepancies from students, parents, and external entities. Independently resolve a discrepancy in financial aid disbursement amounts by researching the issue and communicating with relevant parties to rectify the situation.
• Student Advisement. Provide personalized and comprehensive advisement to students regarding their financial aid options, to make informed decisions about their educational expenses. Providing detailed information to a student about the costs of their program and what aid options may be available to them. Also provide steps needed to secure the aid options available to them. 
• Compliance Monitoring and Reporting. Independently monitor and ensure compliance with Federal, State and Institution regulations, generating reports as needed. Independently conduct an audit of loan files to verify adherence to loan program regulations and generate a compliance report for internal assessment.
• Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the overall successful operation of the department.

Required Education: Bachelor's degree AND:

48 months of financial aid, general office, clerical, or related experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of relevant work experience in lieu of the bachelor's degree for a total of 96 months of experience. 

Certifications or Licenses: None

Skills:

• Financial Aid programs, regulations and policies, student aid types and qualifications, budgeting and financial literacy, data management, counseling and technology.
• Communication, empathy and patience, analytical thinking, problem-solving, customer service, time management, attention to detail and adaptability.
• Independent decision making, conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity, team collaboration, education advocacy and continuous learning.

Working Conditions: 

• Physical:
  • Must be able to work in sitting position for extended periods. 
  • Ability to engage in repetitive motion. 
• Environmental:
  • Office Work Environment.
  • Travel across campuses to attend meetings.
  • Student interaction is common with this position.

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. 

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.