What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scholarships Coordinator position at Central Alabama Community Foundation?
Scholarships Coordinator
Reports to: Grants & Scholarships Manager
Employment type: Full-Time
Location: Central Alabama Community Foundation, Montgomery, AL
About the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF):
The Central Alabama Community Foundation is a trusted philanthropic partner working to enhance the quality of life in East Alabama, the River Region, and the Wiregrass, through impactful grantmaking, scholarship distribution, and community development initiatives. CACF supports affiliated foundations, including the Autauga Area Community Foundation (AACF), Elmore County Community Foundation (ECCF), East Alabama Community Foundation (EACF), and Southeast Alabama Community Foundation (SACF).
Position Summary:
The Scholarship Coordinator provides essential administrative, technical, and customer‑service support for the full lifecycle of the Foundation’s scholarship programs. This position ensures smooth day‑to‑day functioning of the scholarship portal, application cycles, award processing, and communication with students, families, schools, and community partners while maintaining high standards of data integrity, compliance, and donor stewardship.
Primary Responsibilities:
Scholarship Administration (Majority of Role)
- Assist with the setup, maintenance, and testing of scholarship applications in the online portal, ensuring accuracy of eligibility criteria, instructions, and deadlines.
- Maintain accurate applicant records, reviewer assignments, scoring data, award decisions, and renewal documentation.
- Serve as the first point of contact for students, parents, counselors, and school staff; provide guidance, troubleshoot portal issues, and respond to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Monitor application submissions for completeness and eligibility.
- Prepare materials for scholarship review committees.
- Track reviewer assignments and progress; ensure adherence to timelines and program guidelines.
- Support the verification of recipient eligibility, enrollment, and compliance with award requirements.
- Process scholarship payment requests, verify documentation, and ensure accurate and timely disbursement.
- Maintain detailed records of applicants, recipients, awards, and communications within the scholarship management system and email account.
- Monitor renewal eligibility and communicate requirements to returning students.
- Communicate with colleges and universities to confirm enrollment and resolve documentation issues.
- Support outreach efforts by updating website content and assisting with school presentations or award ceremonies.
- Run standard reports for internal staff, committees, and donors as requested.
General Administrative Support
- Support the Manager in preparing summaries and evaluation materials.
- Provide periodic administrative support for grant cycles when needed.
- Assist with special projects, events, and other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the department.
- Participate actively in staff meetings and internal strategy discussions.
- Perform general administrative tasks to support the efficient functioning of the Foundation.
Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Experience in scholarship administration, grants management, education, or nonprofit operations is a plus.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and customer‑service skills, especially with students and families.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with accuracy.
- Proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and online application platforms (Foundant preferred).
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow established policies and procedures.
- Perform miscellaneous office tasks and organizational duties as needed.
Work Environment:
This position is based in an office environment with some travel required for community meetings, site visits, and events.