Financial Aid Coordinator (00003713)

Find your Career at Northern Illinois University! Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page Position Summary The incumbent in this position must develop a high degree of knowledge and expertise regarding a broad array of financial aid and scholarship programs. This person provides vital technology and processing support as well as front-line linkage between the Financial Aid Services Office (FASO) and its clients and must have the interpersonal skills and mature judgment to be a positive force in the delivery of financial aid. The incumbent must possess the ability to work in a sometimes hectic and stressful environment in a calm and professional manner. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serve as a processor for federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Review documents submitted for federal verification requirements and update federal application data as appropriate. Review unusual or extenuating circumstances and difficult personal situations as referred to and escalate as appropriate. Manually package and adjust aid for students, including those with special circumstances. Evaluate and post financial assistance received from outside agencies and adjust other aid offered as appropriate. Participate in disbursement weekend activities and ongoing monitoring to ensure accurate awarding and disbursement of internal and external financial aid funds. Review and resolve exception reports such as overawards, refunds, and enrollment changes. Identify and resolve issues in compliance with state, federal, and institutional regulations. Serve as the technical and regulatory expert for one or more aid programs as it relates to processing aid and system functionality. Assist in the development of financial aid policies and procedures. Interpret, monitor, and advise changes to federal and state regulations and updates to ensure compliance. Collaborate with Financial Aid senior staff on processes and workflows. Responsible for system setup related to item types, aggregate limits, disbursement rules, and loan type setup. Assist with testing for system updates, data changes, packaging rules, disbursement rules, ISIR load, verification system support, COA/Budget tables and rules. Oversee staff training and troubleshoot software issues related to the student system. Student Service Provide front-line, student-centric service to support recruitment and retention initiatives and other university goals. Serve as a resource to the advising team and help advisors navigate complex aid situations. Counsel prospective and current students and families regarding general university processes such as applying for, interpreting, and accepting financial aid offers; making payments; searching for work-study positions; and applying for scholarships. Participate in university events such as orientations, preview days, transfer days, and others as needed. Utilize referral systems to provide a holistic student service experience and participate in university committees as a department representative. Other Duties as Assigned Use strong interpersonal communication to work in a busy, sometimes stressful environment. Participate in regulatory training sessions and professional development opportunities. Assume related duties as assigned by administrative staff. Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) 1. Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: A. College coursework in any discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours = 1 year; 90 semester hours = 2 years; Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) = 3 years. B. Work experience coordinating office, business, or customer service/relations activities. 2. One (1) year (12 months) of higher education, student services, or closely related experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) Knowledge of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid regulations as they apply to packaging, disbursement of financial aid and refunds, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Knowledge of the student application process. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and other computer programs. Math and calculation skills; customer service and written/spoken communication skills. Time management, organization, and ability to respond quickly to challenges. Ability to interpret and apply internal and government policies, procedures, and regulations; ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) Previous experience in a Financial Aid Office or closely related service position Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 10/16/25 Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50 Working Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday–Friday, one-hour lunch Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application with specific dates and duties for all positions; part-time work will be converted to full-time equivalency for experience length. Upload unofficial transcripts and/or documentation verifying education, experience, and training. If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork must be uploaded to receive maximum points. After posting closes, submissions are reviewed for minimum qualifications and may be scored to determine active employment register. Please monitor email communications from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu; add to address book to ensure delivery. Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process. Credentials Assessment Examination The examination is a Credentials Assessment based on your application materials. Documentation must be uploaded to verify qualifications. Top three scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview. Click on Financial Aid Coordinator for information on salary ranges, duties, and testing requirements. Employment is contingent on passing a criminal background check. In accordance with applicable statutes, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications. Designated inquiries contact: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Health Services Building Room 230, TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu, 815-753-5560 In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*) * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois? * What is the highest level of education attained? * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position? * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for Veterans Preference? * Select the answer that best describes your work experience monitoring student eligibility to receive financial aid and related tasks, with options ranging from non-direct to high competency. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment for this experience. Open-ended questions on additional experience related to verification of student eligibility and awarding financial aid. Additional questions on experience with account management, fundraising, and training responsibilities. Additional instructions and references: separate sections may include more questions and require attachments such as transcripts or certifications. J-18808-Ljbffr

Location: Liguria, IT

Posted Date: 9/15/2025