SUMMARY:  Develop, negotiate and finalize student funding estimates consistent with financial planning policies and procedures and with Federal/State regulations for awarding aid. Work closely with prospective students and their families to ensure the plan best meet the families' needs. Counsel students on all acceptances and other matters related directly to their financial aid. Incumbent must assure that the Arts Institutes philosophy: quality services to clients; development, growth, involvement, and recognition of employees; sound economic principles; and environment, which is conducive to innovation, positive thinking and expansion - is considered in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this position.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

• Work cohesively with Enrollment Counselors in order to facilitate outstanding service to prospective students and their parents.
• Schedule prospective student financial aid appointments, create and review funding estimates and discuss financial obligations with students/parents.
• Discuss payment options to cover any remaining balance of cost and create the Tuition Options note for the student as required.
• Create funding estimates that meet the Art Institutes policies as well as state and federal regulations.
• Assist students/parents with the completion of the FAFSA.
• Work with students to complete financial aid documents upon enrollment to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
• Upon student/parent agreement to funding estimate ensure awards have been added to the student information system. Ensure all accurate financial documents are on file in the student information system. Proactively monitor and manage each student through the initial disbursement of financial aid fund sources ensuring the student’s successful transition to the Continuing Student Financial Aid team.
• Maintain consistently clean files shown through Training Assessments for Compliance with Federal/State regulations, school policies and procedures. -Less than a 10% error rate per term and less than a 5% potential liability rate for the year.
• Demonstrate proficiency in timely document collection and new student processing within your OPEID as defined by the Key Performance Indicators (KPI).Complete the appropriate training modules within 30 days of the new or revised module becoming available.
• Pass one certification per calendar year.
• Other duties as assigned

REPORTS TO:  Director of Financial Aid – Prospective Students

INTERACTS WITH: Other members of the Continuing Student Financial Aid team as well as students, Peer Mentors, Enrollment and Academic departments.

JOB REQUIREMENTS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES):

Knowledge:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Previous experience working with and technical knowledge of student financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, or commercial loan packages.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with both faculty and student populations.
• Superior organizational and problem resolution skills.
• Strong basic computer software (MS Office) skills as well as exposure to more concentrated financial aid/EDE software programs such as Banner.

Abilities:

• Ability to read, comprehend, and comply with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to the provision of student financial aid.

• Ability to interact effectively as a member of a team (in-person & virtually) and work collaboratively with other departments.  Can work effectively in a virtual environment with minimal supervision at times.

• Ability to listen to customers (e.g. students, staff, etc.) and to understand and respond positively to their requests

• Ability to work without close supervision and to set one's own priorities and work schedule.