Coordinator of Student Financial Services Outreach
Colby College

Job DescriptionDepartment:Student Financial ServicesPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:As a member of the Student Financial Services team, the Coordinator/Assistant Director for Outreach aids in maintaining the department's service-oriented focus by providing clear and concise responses to inquiries from students, staff, academic departments, and external service providers on financial aid and student account matters. This position plays a critical role in promoting awareness and utilization of the financial services offered by the institution, is comfortable presenting to student and parent groups, and works closely with the team leaders on outreach activities to onboard students as well as with organizations and campus partners that support student access and success while enrolled. Outreach is directly related to providing support to students and their families on topics related to applying for financial aid and paying out-of-pocket expenses. A strong understanding of the College's supplemental support funds is also key, as is a working knowledge of international student financial matters, and other outreach as needed. This position provides front-line, in person customer service to students, families, and internal and external constituents and is an on campus position.

Specific Responsibilities

Customer Service and Student Financial Services Responsibilities:

• Assist students and parents in the application process for federal and institutional financial aid.

• Provide counseling to students and parents related to financial aid awards and paying out-of-pocket expenses.

• Read financial aid applications with a full working knowledge of both federal and institutional methodologies, calculating family contributions and packaging financial aid using PowerFAIDS.

• Ensure federal compliance in the execution of need analysis with a solid working knowledge of the FAFSA process and related student/parent questions.

• Gain and demonstrate an understanding of both the aid package and representation on a student account statement; develop skills needed to clearly explain both to students and parents.

• Learn and exercise professional judgment to resolve financial aid situations consistent with federal and College guidelines.

Outreach and Engagement:

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase student awareness and participation in financial services programming.

• Take a leadership role in presenting at key workshops throughout the year in a virtual and in-person setting.

• Gain a working knowledge of iGrad and create marketing and programming to increase utilization of pertinent iGrad topic.

• Foster relationships with student organizations, academic departments, and other campus entities to drive engagement and collaboration including the Pugh Center and other campus cohorts.

• Utilize email campaigns, flyers, posters and other communication tools to promote events and resources.

• Serve as a resource and advocate for students navigating financial services, offering guidance and referrals as needed.

• Work with financial aid counselors to align programming with institutional goals.

• Represent the Student Financial Services department at campus-wide events and initiatives.

Skills Required

• Exemplifies high level of customer services in answering all student and parent inquiries pertaining to a student's billing and financial aid experience.

• Technical experience in financial aid management systems, specifically PowerFAIDS.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.

• Demonstrate professional communication with students, while conveying desire to assist.

• Ability to present to groups with tact, diplomacy and judgment with people from all backgrounds.

Minimum Experience & Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree.

• Recent Colby graduate preferred.

• Technical experience in PowerFAIDS preferred.

• 2-3 years of customer service experience preferably in higher education or other detailed-oriented service.