Financial Aid Administrator

Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master’s degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 10 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade. To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .

Position Title: Financial Aid Administrator

Reports to: Michelle Williams

Department: Financial Aid

Purpose Statement

The Financial Aid Advisor supports the mission of the Office of Financial Aid by helping students and prospective students locate and utilize resources to fund their education at the institution while adhering to regulatory requirements. Candidates have the possibility of working a hybrid schedule after the training period.

Essential Functions

• Analyze and verify aid applications to ensure compliance with all state, federal financial aid, institutional, and program regulations and make awards in line with established guidelines.
• Provide customer service and counsel students on Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid as well as scholarship and loan options; serve as information resource for financial aid and assigned programs.
• Advise students as to satisfactory progress within their declared program of study.
• Communicate with various on-campus departments through person-to-person, email, phone, Microsoft Teams, and written correspondence and documentation of information-specific program requirements.
• Collect and approve documentation for VA students, certify enrollment, tuition, and fees each semester in VA’s Enrollment Manager system, and monitor enrollment levels for all students with VA funding.
• Provide information to students eligible for and receiving VA educational benefits. Answer inquiries concerning VA education benefits. Determine individuals’ specific eligibility for type (chapter) of VA education benefits and assist students in the application process for appropriate chapter of benefits.
• Interpret, review, and develop program-specific procedures, rules, and regulations regarding VA education benefits specific to eligible veterans and eligible dependents of veterans.
• Complete required VA reporting and annual eligibility application with the VA. Prepare for VA audits and review.
• Attend state and regional trainings as necessary to remain current on policies, procedures, and regulations specific to VA education benefits and programs.
• Responsible for monthly authorization and reconciliation of assigned program.
• Serve as the first point of contact for students by helping answer inbound financial aid calls and responding to emails. Heavy phone and email volume responsibility daily.
• Regularly attend webinars, meetings, and trainings to stay updated on changing policies and procedures.
• Follow up on student inquiries regarding financial aid process to ensure that aid is packaged and disbursed to their accounts.
• Understand and communicate the award policies and procedures and how it affects the student.
• Research and understand the verification process, professional judgments, and C-codes.
• Assist with monthly information sessions, open houses, financial literacy workshops, and College 101 courses.
• Participate in a committee to evaluate institutional scholarship applications on an annual basis.
• Accurately track all interactions with students and financial aid documents within our student record systems.
• Identify and escalate priority issues to the appropriate resources as defined by business practices.
• Research student records and provide detailed information regarding tuition and fees, payment plans, etc.

Job Requirements

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skill
• Must be comfortable working with others over the phone, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams; have a clear speaking voice, and a professional and personable demeanor
• Perform daily responsibilities in a professional, friendly, and efficient manner
• Must be self-motivated and willing to seek out new challenges and information
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively as a team member, communicating concerns and bringing resolution to issues
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, specifically advanced Excel features and Outlook
• Must be punctual and be able to work with constant interruptions and pressure of deadlines
• Willing to work evening and weekends when required

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree
• Previous experience in higher education
• Previous experience with federal and state financial aid
• Previous experience with VA Education Benefits
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or other student information systems, other federal aid systems

Salary and Benefits

Salary range

$65,000 - $69,000 annually, depending on experience and qualification

Benefits:

• Dental, medical, and vision (begins the first of the month following 60 days of employment)
• Two weeks of vacation in the first year, with increasing accrual each year thereafter
• 14 paid holidays
• An additional paid week off between Christmas and New Years
• 401K after one year FT service, match vested immediately
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance after one year
• Free DigiPen tuition for yourself to start; discounts for family after one year
• Complimentary soda, coffee, and tea
• Free campus parking

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.

Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.