Financial Aid Specialist

Alaska Pacific University (APU) is a private, independent university that emphasizes personal growth through student-centered, experiential education using Alaska, the Arctic and the Pacific Rim as laboratories for learning. Alaska Pacific University's location is steeped in an independent history and richly diverse cultures. We are a dynamic liberal arts university offering undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degree programs in a collaborative culture. Our university is characterized by action, independence, purposeful learning, and a connection with the natural world. APU is committed to empowering Alaska Native peoples through higher education attainment. APU currently is an Alaska-Native serving University and is aspiring to be a Tribal University within the next three to five years.

Alaska Pacific University offers a competitive benefits program that includes Federal Health/Rx Benefits, Dental, Vision, LTD Life and AD&D. Time off includes 16 paid days plus a generous PTO accrual. Tuition waivers for employees and dependents at APU or access to over 600 universities and colleges throughout the United States.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Specialist performs daily operations in processing financial aid and provides assistance to students, prospective students and families.

Representative Duties

Provides assistance to students, prospective students and families concerning financial aid information, eligibility and the application process; guide students to successfully obtain financial aid; and ensure students understand and comply with financial aid regulations and requirements.

Package and process institutional, state, federal and private financial aid, inclusive of ensuring eligibility, and origination and disbursement of funds are completed according to timelines.

Run daily and weekly reports for eligibility, packaging, origination, disbursement.

Review state reports (ACPE for State of Alaska) to certify and update funds for release or return.

Review private loan system (ELMNet) to certify and update funds for release or return.

Process delinquent borrower reports and complete other default management efforts.

Administer institutional scholarship programs, such as donor-funded, early honors, and study abroad.

Complete annual updates to the financial aid module in the student information system (CAMS software) to ensure accurate and timely processing of student financial records.

Use Department of Education software systems such as COD, CPS, NSLDS to ensure accurate and timely financial aid administration.

Maintain confidentiality of student financial information as required by the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) and APU’s confidential and proprietary information policy.

Keep and maintain accurate student records.

Assist the director with the design, implementation and evaluation of financial aid communications.

Assist the director with financial aid reporting.

Represents APU, both internally and externally, to government agencies, funding agencies, students, parents and the general public.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of customer service concepts and practices.

Knowledge of federal financial aid procedures and regulations.

Knowledge of privacy laws and regulations.

Knowledge of collecting and reporting data.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in accuracy and attention to detail.

Skill in customer service.

Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with others.

Skill in operating a computer and using a variety of software applications.

Skill in reporting, math and analysis.

Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.

Skill in making decisions fairly and consistently.

Skill in working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Skill in maintaining a high level of confidentiality.

Minimum Education Qualification

Associates Degree required.

Minimum Experience Qualification

Non-Supervisory: One (1) year of customer service and electronic processing.

Preferred Education Qualification

Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Preferred Experience Qualification

Student service and electronic processing at a college or university.

Apply Online: https://www.alaskapacific.edu/careers/financial-aid-specialist/