Study Assistant

Department: Financial Aid EV

Salary/Grade: NEX/11

The expected salary for this position is between $22.75 - $24.75 per hour, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Work-Study Coordinator, the Work-Study Assistant supports the administration of Northwestern’s Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, contributing to its operational effectiveness, compliance, and service excellence and provides general administrative services within the Undergraduate Office of Financial Aid. This role provides administrative support, customer service, organizes annual events, and oversees a subset of 50‑100 students working off‑campus at community‑based and government agencies.

The Assistant plays a critical part in monitoring student earnings, maintaining records and reports, cultivating partner relations, and supporting program outreach and events. This position requires a detail‑oriented and proactive individual with excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

* Note:

Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

• Oversee off-campus Federal Work-Study (FWS) off-campus community partnerships, including employer onboarding, student hiring and rehiring processes, partner relations, site visits, annual program reviews, and invoicing and payment processing procedures.
• Develop and maintain community partnerships that align with institutional engagement goals and FWS program requirements.
• Monitor and maintain database of FWS student wage earnings, timecard submissions, and supervisor approvals to ensure compliance with program and institutional regulations.
• Communicate updates, counsel, and services as a resource for students, families, and employers regarding FWS and financial aid procedures, regulations, and eligibility.
• Respond to email, phone, and in-person inquiries with professionalism and clarity.
• Assist with the creation of statistical material on earnings and enrollment for the Director of Financial Aid Operations to comply with FISAP regulations.
• Organize annual events, including the Student Job Fair, by drafting materials, managing RSVP lists, and coordinating logistics.
• Collaborate with the Work-Study Coordinator to maintain the Work-Study website, student job board, and all hard and electronic records pertaining to the Federal Work-Study program.
• Utilize software and systems such as Oracle People Soft, Mach Forms, and MS365 Apps, and MS Office to enter data, maintain reports, track records, and maintain office workflows.
• Troubleshoot system issues and elevate technical concerns when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned, including occasional building reception and opening/closing procedures, cross‑training, and data entry.

• A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot, problem‑solve, multitask, and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to interact well with faculty, students, staff, and community partners.
• Strong customer service skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain the strictest standards regarding confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, meet strict deadlines, and work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to compose, proofread, and edit various communications and documents with professionalism and clarity.
• Excellent computer skills, and ability to independently use software programs, including MS Office, MS 365 Apps, Oracle People Soft Software, and internet‑based form builder software.
• Communicates effectively one‑to‑one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well‑organized emails, letters, and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value for the customer.
• Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.
• Plans, organizes, and schedules…