What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Operations Specialist position at State of Illinois - Illinois Student Assistance Commission?
Program Operations Specialist
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the State’s college access and financial aid agency. ISAC has an immediate opening for a Program Operations Specialist in our Deerfield office. This behind-the-scenes position is critical for the administration of ISAC’s scholarship, grant and loan forgiveness programs. The Program Operations Specialist is responsible for collecting, processing and reviewing applicant and program data, making program eligibility determinations, and communicating status updates and outcomes to applicants and colleagues. The person selected should thrive in a structured, process-driven environment, enjoy computer-based tasks and will be expected to demonstrate a strong attention to detail and provide exceptional customer service.
Responsibilities
- Data Processing and Management
- Review and assess program applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.
- Verify applicant information and supporting documents, ensuring adherence to state and federal financial aid guidelines.
- Maintain confidentiality of all applicant and program data in compliance with privacy laws.
- Respond to internal inquiries and provide clear updates on application statuses.
2. Quality Control
- Evaluate applications against established eligibility criteria, making informed and transparent awarding decisions.
- Track and verify application progress, keeping applicants and partners updated throughout the process.
- Maintain accurate records of applicant interactions, decisions, and communications.
- Resolve applicant concerns and complaints professionally, offering solutions with empathy and care.
3. Process Improvements
- Identify trends, challenges, and opportunities to recommend enhancements to program operations.
- Develop and implement process improvements to strengthen service and efficiency.
- Prepare operational and statistical reports to support planning and decision-making.
- Participate in staff training to remain current with program rules, best practices, and evolving procedures.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
- Any one or combination totaling two (2) years (24 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 performing office, business, or customer/relations activities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of ISAC programs and/or experience in financial aid.
- 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: $49,000 - $54,000
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 : $49,000 - $54,000
