Special Programs Financial Aid Officer

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a team member to support the daily functions within the Unit for Special Programs. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Special Programs, the Financial Aid Officer Associate serves as the first point of contact for Federal Work-Study programs for students, parents, and campus partners, in addition to supporting unit functions in monitoring and administering financial aid for student athletes. The successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as demonstrate effective task management.

• Manage the Student Employment Office email and phone line, interacting with students, parents, and campus partners, serving as the first point of contact for Federal Work-Study programs. 
• Provide information regarding temporary employment opportunities to students, parents, and potential employers and with general problem solving by providing phone, email, and virtual meeting assistance when needed.
• Review, record, and file Federal Work-Study documentation in coordination with off-campus partners to ensure timely reimbursement.
• Process reports related to Federal Work-Study awarding and usage and resolve financial aid packaging and HR record issues within the student aid and student employment administration systems.
• Provide website navigation assistance on the Student Employment Website and troubleshooting services to students and other website users; update basic information on website including user accounts and job postings.
• Run weekly reports and queries and conduct the proper follow-up as it pertains to compliance and the awarding of financial aid to student athletes.  
• Complete miscellaneous duties as assigned within the Special Programs Unit as well as serve as a resource for staff in the Office of Financial Aid regarding Work-Study related issues.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Considerable customer service experience and experience with appropriately handling confidential and sensitive information
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. Experience with constituents and work environments of a diverse background
• Proficiency in common office software, particularly Excel and Google Workspace
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently, with minimal supervision
• A high level of organization skills; a meticulous attention to detail; and the ability to consistently produce highly accurate work
• The ability to use analysis and critical thinking skills to solve problems
• The ability to learn and interpret University policies

• Experience with the PeopleSoft (M-Pathways) student information system
• Higher proficiency in Excel and/or Adobe Acrobat
• Experience or familiarity with university business processes such as payroll, human resources, and financial aid
• An understanding of University of Michigan policies and procedures
• Knowledge of FERPA and other regulations related to higher education

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.