Loan Processing Program Manager, Financial Aid

Job Summary

Financial Aid invites applications for a Loan Processing Program Manager to oversee loan administration for the University of Montana. As a key member of the Financial Aid team, this position oversees the administration of federal, state, and private student loan programs, ensuring timely and accurate processing while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations. The program manager collaborates with campus partners and external stakeholders to provide exceptional service to students and families navigating the financial aid process.

This role requires strong analytical, organizational, and customer service skills to support student success and help remove financial barriers to achieving educational goals.

• Manage federal, private, Parent PLUS, and Graduate PLUS loan programs, including application tracking, processing, reconciliation, compliance reporting, and program evaluation.
• Review loan eligibility and limits, resolve processing errors, apply professional judgment for special circumstances, and ensure accurate awarding and disbursement.
• Perform monthly, semester, and year-end reconciliation and reporting across federal, state, institutional, and lending systems.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, state, and FERPA regulations.
• Evaluate financial aid applications, verify eligibility and financial need, make award determinations, and resolve over-awards and funding discrepancies.
• Create and manage financial aid communications for students, departments, donors, and external agencies, while serving as a resource on student financial matters.
• Lead software testing and system enhancements, maintain financial aid databases, and train staff on loan processing procedures and best practices.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and represent Student Financial Services through student support, university events, and committee participation.

• Two years of post-secondary education in Business, Accounting or related field plus three years of progressively responsible work experience in scholarship administration or financial aid, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite and electronic document management.
• Demonstrated competence maintaining, processing, and verifying detailed records with a high degree of accuracy, and identifying and correcting errors.
• Demonstrated competence organizing and prioritizing workloads, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities in a busy office setting.
• Demonstrated competence composing, formatting, and proving business correspondence accurately and professionally.
• Successful candidate must be able to gain access to federal systems and must have no loans in default.

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or another related field.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner.
• Experience working with federal programs.

Compensation

Title:

Program Manager I

Union: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year, in-person required.

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the Montana University System Benefits website for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.