Financial Aid Support Services Specialist

Reports To: Vice President of Financial Aid

Employment Classification: Full-Time/Exempt

Location: Howell

Cleary University, a thriving business university set in a beautiful location, is seeking an energetic and results-oriented Financial Aid Student Services Specialist to join our team. The Student Services Specialist assists students and families with navigating CU's administrative processes related to financial aid, student billing, and university support services. This position informs students and families of important dates and deadlines as well as requirements for financial aid.

The Specialist explains transactions on student accounts and helps students to use our online self-service resources. This position works closely with staff members in Student Accounts and the Registrar’s Office to resolve student issues as the first point of contact when possible. This position requires the execution of extraordinary customer service through accurate communication, analytical research, and financial aid support resources and guidance.

• Provide student-centered service and advising prospective and continuing students and their families regarding the university financial aid function including status and document tracking.
• Develop, coordinate, and expand student service efforts with the guidance of the Vice President of Financial Aid on award processing, student communications, and federal support resources.
• Assist students and families in completing financial aid forms.
• Manage ongoing effective and strategic communication with prospective and continuing students via email, telephone, electronic and social networking mediums, etc.

• Ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications.
• Exercise superior judgment when interpreting federal and state regulations for both federal and university processes.
• Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating creative approaches to increased awareness about financial assistance at Cleary University to prospective and continuing student audiences.
• Assists the VP of Financial Aid with reports to ensure compliance of department with regulations.

• Assist team members when necessary to ensure the success of the department.
• Knowledge of Federal Title IV awards and regulations as well as FERPA.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate degree from accredited college, university or equivalent experience
• Relevant experience in a customer services and customer outreach environment
• Strong experience in customer service, community outreach, and data processing
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft suite of applications
• Demonstrated initiative, independent judgment, diplomacy, and service-oriented attitude.
• Commitment to improving skills and acquiring new technical knowledge in financial aid.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and multi-tasking.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact successfully with others.
• You must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel locally if necessary.
• Flexible schedule with some evening and weekend work may be required.

• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (Jenzabar, Sonis, Salesforce, etc.)
• Ability to work individually and in a team setting, multi-task and effectively prioritize responsibilities, and retain a professional and engaging demeanor.
• Understanding of industries, organizational functions, and business career options preferred

• Strong student-centered service philosophy.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Growing regulatory awareness and willingness to learn financial aid rules.
• Professionalism, dependability, and discretion.
• Commitment to Cleary University’s mission, values, and student success.

• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• Standard office environment; occasional evening/weekend work during reporting cycles and release window

Some positions may be eligible for hybrid work arrangements as determined by the university. Remote work is not a guaranteed condition of employment and may be modified or discontinued at any time based on business needs, performance, or operational requirements.

Salary commensurate with experience. Eligible for full-time university benefits package.

Cleary University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.