Coordinator of financial aid - community

Job Description

The Coordinator of Financial Aid plays a critical role in supporting the effective administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This position is primarily responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal financial aid application processing, including the import, review, and packaging of Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs), as well as the coordination of transmittals and disbursements. The Coordinator ensures that all actions comply with applicable federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and audit standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Monitor and Resolve ISIR Comment Codes. Review ISIRs for C-Codes and reject codes; take appropriate action to resolve discrepancies and ensure eligibility prior to packaging aid.
• Coordinate Verification Processes. Oversee the collection and review of required documentation for federally selected applications to resolve conflicting information and ensure timely processing of awards.
• Manage Communication and Notifications. Develop and send targeted communications regarding missing documents, award status, and deadlines to promote student engagement and compliance.
• Perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) Calculations. Determine the amount of aid that must be returned when a student withdraws, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and timely notifications to students.
• Support Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Evaluation and Appeal Review. Assist in reviewing academic records to determine financial aid eligibility and participate in the SAP appeal decision process.
• Collaborate on Reconciliation Efforts. Work with Financial Services and other campus departments to ensure monthly and year-end reconciliation of financial aid funds, including Pell, Direct Loans, and state aid.
• Support System Configuration and Maintenance. Assist with testing and troubleshooting of financial aid software systems during updates or system enhancements to maintain functionality and compliance.
• Contribute to Compliance and Audit Preparedness. Maintain accurate records and support documentation for federal and state program audits and institutional reviews.
• Provide Cross-Training. Share knowledge and assist with training new staff or student workers on financial aid procedures and systems.
• Assist in Reporting and Data Analysis. Generate reports related to aid disbursement, application status, and completion rates to support institutional planning and reporting.
• Participate in Student Retention and Success Initiatives. Collaborate with academic advisors, student support services, and enrollment management teams to identify and support students at risk due to financial barriers.
  
  

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency; or
• An Associate's degree from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency with 3 years of customer service experience and 1 year of financial aid experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a highly regulated setting, understanding compliance, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for conveying complex information clearly to varied audiences.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish. English and other languages will be considered.
  
  

Additional Information

• Salary range is: $44,000 - $50,000, commensurate with credentials and relevant experience.
• Onondaga Community College offers a generous and competitive benefits package including:
• New York State Local Retirement System (pension) or an Optional Retirement Plan (401a).
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans (qualifying domestic partner included).
• Onondaga Community College participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible borrowers.
  
  

Application Instructions

• To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter at time of application.
• The three (3) references listed on the application must be professional references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. Finalists will be contacted prior to references being checked.
• Offers are contingent upon the completion of a background check, and official transcripts are required upon hire.
  
  

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.