Institutional Student Financial Assistance Specialist

Position Objective The Institutional Student Financial Assistance Specialist provides student-centered advising and operational support for Canadian financial assistance programs and institutional student loans. The Specialist guides students through eligibility, application, renewal, and repayment-related processes; reviews and processes documentation; supports financial assistance appeals; and coordinates with university colleagues to deliver accurate, timely, and professional service. The position requires sound judgment, attention to detail, discretion, and sensitivity to the financial challenges students may experience. The position primarily supports St. George’s University (SGU) and may support Rocky Vista University (RVU) in the future, based on institutional needs. Essential Functions Student Advising and Financial Literacy · Advise Canadian students on applicable federal and provincial financial assistance programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and renewals. · Counsel eligible students on institutional student loan requirements, applications, renewals, financial obligations, and available repayment information. · Assist students with budgeting, financial planning, and understanding their financial obligations to the University. · Review changes in student enrollment or curriculum and coordinate appropriate adjustments to student budgets and financial assistance. Financial Assistance Processing and Administration · Review and process Canadian financial assistance applications and supporting documentation accurately and within established timelines. · Process institutional student loan applications and term-by-term renewals, verify required documentation, coordinate eligibility determinations with appropriate colleagues, and complete loan origination activities. · Maintain accurate student records and documentation in applicable systems, following established procedures and confidentiality requirements. · Identify incomplete or inconsistent applications, communicate outstanding requirements, and follow through to resolution. Appeals, Outreach, and Collaboration · Guide students through the international student financial assistance appeals process, including counseling, application review, collection of supporting documentation, and presentation of appeals to the appropriate committee. · Present institutional student financial assistance information at admissions events, student information sessions, and webinars. · Collaborate with Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, and other university departments to facilitate accurate and timely information exchange and resolve student issues. · Support daily operations of the Institutional Student Financial Assistance Office, including administrative activities, service requests, and peak-period initiatives. Other Duties · Provide coverage for core functions as needed to ensure uninterrupted service to applicants and students. · Perform other duties and special projects assigned by leadership. This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. This position may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the department/institution. Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities · Strong interpersonal, student counseling, and written and verbal communication skills. · Ability to interpret and apply detailed program guidelines, manage high volumes of documentation, and maintain accuracy. · Strong organizational, quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills. · Ability to prioritize competing deadlines, work collaboratively, and provide responsive service in a fast-paced environment. · Confidence presenting information to individuals and groups. · Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365; familiarity with Banner or comparable student information systems. · Commitment to confidentiality, attention to detail, and high-quality student service. Qualifications · Bachelor's degree required. · At least one year of financial aid or scholarship administration experience preferred. Hours and Travel · Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., totaling 37.5 hours per week. · Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends during peak periods and to accommodate students in different time zones. Overtime must be approved in accordance with institutional policy and applicable law. · Travel may be required for admissions events, student-facing initiatives, and other institutional activities. The anticipated salary for this role is $46,000 - $56,409 per year and may vary and will be determined based on factors such as job knowledge, skills, experience, location, and experience of the candidate. This information is provided per local law.