What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Operations Coordinator position at State of Illinois - Illinois Student Assistance Commission?
Program Operations Coordinator
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the State’s college access and financial aid agency. ISAC seeks a Program Operations Coordinator in our Deerfield office. This position will contribute to the administration of ISAC-administered scholarship, grant and loan forgiveness programs: reviewing and processing applicant data, determining program eligibility, ensuring quality control and compliance with program requirements, and communicating outcomes to applicants with clarity and care. The Program Operations Coordinator will also oversee complex program operations, contribute to improvements in efficiency and service, and serve as a resource for both colleagues and applicants. This position is ideal for those who like working with data but also want to problem-solve and refine processes. The person selected will be expected to demonstrate a strong attention to detail, leadership qualities and provide exceptional customer service.
Responsibilities
1. Data Processing and Management
- Review and determine applicant eligibility using program statutes, rules, and policies.
- Prepare program reports and maintain operational and statistical records.
- Analyze applicant data, including loan information from the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS).
- Support the administration of programs and assist with applicant appeals.
2. Quality Control
- Evaluate application determinations against established eligibility criteria.
- Provide training, guidance, and support to colleagues on program processes.
- Track and verify application statuses, collaborating with leadership on priorities.
- Address escalated applicant concerns with professionalism and empathy.
3. Process Improvements
- Coordinate meetings and trainings to share updates and clarify procedures.
- Develop user-friendly resources such as guides, templates, and reference materials.
- Participate in staff training to stay current on program rules and best practices.
- Represent ISAC programs in presentations and workshops for internal and external audiences.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
- Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
- College coursework in any discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Associate’s degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
- 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
- Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
- Work experience coordinating office, business, or customer service/relations activities.
- One (1) year (12 months) of higher education, student services, or closely related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of ISAC programs and/or experience in financial aid.
- Leadership experience
- Microsoft Office suite proficiency.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Data entry and data management experience.
- Ability to pay attention to detail.
Benefits
- ISAC offers an attractive benefits package including health, vision, and life insurance, State Employees’ Retirement System, educational benefits, and more.
- 25 earned vacation days per year.
- 12 paid sick days.
- 13 paid holidays.
- Tuition waiver at select public Illinois universities and tuition reimbursements for non-public Illinois universities.
Salary Range: $59,000 - $64,000
Be part of our great mission helping Illinois students on their path to education after high school! Visit us at www.isac.org.
For consideration, please complete an application at https://recruiter.isac.org.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas at this time.
The person selected for this position will be required to complete a criminal background check.
ISAC does not discriminate against someone (applicant or employee) because of that person's race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Salary : $59,000 - $64,000
