Financial Aid Processor

About McDaniel College:

McDaniel College is a four-year, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the original "Colleges That Change Lives," McDaniel emphasizes experiential learning and student-faculty collaboration to develop the unique potential in every student. Represented by the Green Terror, over 20 athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. A student-centered community of 1,600 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students offers access to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., plus a European campus in Budapest, Hungary.

This position has a budgeted hiring rate of $21.50/hr. The position is classified as C3. The C3 salary band for all full-time, 12-month positions at the college with this classification have a minimum rate of $16.75/hr and a maximum rate of $24.12/hr. This is a full-time, 35-hour a week position.

At McDaniel College we value our employees by offering our full-time employees tuition remission, 403B retirement accounts, paid time off, medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and paid maternity and parental leave. For more information about the college's benefits, please click here to review the 2026 benefits guidebook and click here to view 2026 premium rates.

Job Description:

The Enrollment Management Division is a dynamic, high-performance division that plays an essential role in the mission of McDaniel College. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Processor provides student-focus financial aid services to determine student eligibility while also counseling and advising students and families on the various financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Processor must demonstrate a strong understanding of the value of a liberal arts education, McDaniel College's Strategic Plan, and how financial aid strategies and processes align with broader institutional priorities.

An appreciation for diversity, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects, and institutional priorities simultaneously are essential for success in this role. Foster trust and transparency through clear, compassionate communication, leading challenging conversations with students, parents, faculty, and external agencies regarding financial aid eligibility, verification, and appeals.

The position may include the option of one remote workday per week when possible, pending successful performance metrics, based on office coverage and staffing needs. During peak and yield seasons, flexibility is essential, and evening/weekend hours or full in-office presence will be required.

Responsibilities:

• Process and review financial aid applications and student records to determine eligibility, resolve discrepancies, complete verification, and maintain audit-ready documentation in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Serve as the main processor for key aid programs and processes (undergraduate/graduate awarding, state aid, private education loans, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Direct Loans), ensuring accurate packaging, timely disbursements, and effective issue resolution.
• Operate and reconcile financial aid system workflows (e.g., Colleague/ERM job streams), monitor data integrity, and support continuous improvement through updated procedures and process documentation.
• Deliver student-centered advising and outreach, including responding to inquiries, coordinating with campus partners/graduate programs, presenting information sessions, and supporting reporting and audit requests as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience in financial aid processing, higher education administration, or related field preferred

• Knowledge of federal and/or state financial aid regulations preferred

• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies and apply regulatory guidelines to individual student cases

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with enterprise student information systems (e.g., Colleague, Banner, PeopleSoft)

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information to groups

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in data processing

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

Additional Information:

McDaniel College, in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, and employment of students, faculty, and staff in the operation of any of its educational programs and activities. McDaniel College will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any protected status including protective hairstyle, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin, disability, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military status, genetic information, marital status, veteran's status, or any other actual or perceived legally protected characteristics.

Application Instructions:

For a complete job description including essential responsibilities and to apply, please visit the college's employment webpage. Completed applications must include a cover letter addressing position qualifications and related experience, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will be open until filled.