Specialist I – Financial Aid Services

Overview

The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation (“A Corp”) “PC(USA)”, based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God’s love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of national entities: the Interim Unified Agency, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, Investment and Loan Program, and the Administrative Services Group.

Basic Commitment: This position calls for a commitment to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as noted in its theological confessions, the Book of Order, and the actions of the General Assembly.

Position Overview: Provides administrative and program support for Financial Aid for Service initiatives, including student aid and leadership development programs. Assists applicants and participants through eligibility screening, application processing, and program participation. Supports student loan coaching and scholarship/grant administration activities. This role does not have direct reports.

Roles and Responsibilities (list in order of priority):

1. Reviews applications for assigned programs to ensure completeness and determine eligibility based on established guidelines and criteria. 
2. Assists applicants throughout the financial aid process, including application submission, documentation, award notification, and disbursement procedures. 
3. Provides administrative support for grant and scholarship processes, including verifying application materials, tracking status, and ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures prior to approval and payment. 
4. Maintains accurate records and data entry within grant management and related systems; generates standard reports as needed. 
5. Supports communication efforts by preparing correspondence, maintaining mailing lists, and assisting with newsletters and resource distribution. 
6. Coordinates updates to website content in collaboration with internal teams, ensuring accuracy of program information. 
7. Manages inventory and distribution of program materials, including printed resources and promotional items. 
8. Supports ongoing communication with mid council staff and program participants by providing information and distributing resources as needed. 
9. Assist with Administrative tracking and follow-up activities related to the Student Loan Coaching Program. 

Key Competencies Requirements:

• Customer service orientation and ability to interact positively with diverse stakeholders. 
• Working knowledge (or ability to learn) student aid processes and program guidelines. 
• Understanding of, or ability to learn, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) structure and constituencies. 
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information. 
• Dependability, adaptability, and ability to work with minimal supervision.

Essential Position Requirements:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three to five years of administrative or program support experience, preferably in financial aid, higher education, nonprofit, or grant administration; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including data entry, recordkeeping, and file management in a digital environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel). 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to support applicants and internal stakeholders. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines. 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Helpful Skills:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Korean) preferred. 
• Familiarity with financial aid or grant administration processes. 
• Experience working in a nonprofit or faith-based organization.

Physical Requirements: 

• Office-based/hybrid or Remote
• Sight and hearing required. 
• Ability to use the computer for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to communicate via telephone, via Zoom, and other computer technologies. 

Additional Information/Benefits:

We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues.

PC(USA) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including 

• Defined Pension Plan
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending accounts 
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan 
• Vacation Days 
• Sick Days 
• Paid Holidays

PCUSA Commitment:

Our faith in God inspires our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is grounded in scripture, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the U.S. government, including gender identity and sexual orientation.

Candidates from Presbyterian communities in the global south and other historic Presbyterian Communities of Color, preferably with theological training and fluency in languages other than English, are encouraged to apply.