Navigation Specialist Financial Aid

Advances student retention and graduation by providing students financial aid related support as part of the navigator network. Responsible for helping targeted student populations with the purpose of encouraging a sense of belonging, thriving, and success.

• Serves as the main point of contact within the department to address questions and provide solutions regarding financial concerns of students participating in the empowering futures program. Advises students experiencing emergency situations that threaten financial obligations by offering alternative solutions. Teaches financial literacy and debt management techniques.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of applicable regulations and guidelines. Follows policies and procedures for the proper awarding, disbursement and billing of financial aid.
• Maintains a working knowledge of current regulations regarding financial aid. Researches trending practices in student financial aid and accessibility to higher education.
• Makes professional judgements regarding appeal processes in financial aid related to unsatisfactory academic progress, adjustment of family contributions, and dependency overrides among others.
• Provides financial literacy resources to students within the empowering futures navigator network. Creates and delivers outreach activities through workshops and presentations to educate on financial aid policies and financial literacy.
• Develops and revises financial aid and literacy materials for students and their families, and the University. Assists in planning and executing presentations and special events in support of departmental initiatives.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• Three years' relevant experience.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Public speaking experience. Familiarity with state and federal regulations pertaining to financial aid programs.
• Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to a wide variety of financial situations.
• Proficiency with word-processing and spreadsheets.
• Proficiency using and querying databases.
• Solid teamwork skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Experience providing guidance to students and other constituents.
• Demonstrated interest, skills, and experience working with diverse groups, program development, program implementation, and coaching.

• Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including weekends. Ability to interact with students and other constituents both in-person and virtual.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2024-08-26