Financial Aid Specialist, State Aid Programs

About Seattle Pacific University:

Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has a long and distinguished history in Christian higher education. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, SPU seeks to be a premier Christian University fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. Seattle Pacific University seeks applicants committed to its Christian mission.

Diversity Statement

As part of our mission of cultural engagement, SPU is committed to building an excellent and diverse staff and faculty. Diversity is an ethos that is inseparable from our Christian faith. At SPU, we recognize diversity as a basic feature of God's creation and a core theme of the gospel. At the heart of our mission-centered commitment to becoming a more diverse community is a desire to represent the breadth of God's kingdom more fully.

We strive to become a workplace of choice and to recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff who can embrace, value, and engage differences with humility and care. We invite you to join us on our journey by starting a career at SPU! Learn more about SPU's commitment to diversity and opportunities for our employees to deepen their capacity to serve our increasingly diverse student body.

Seattle Pacific University provides reasonable accommodation to applicants. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the application or hiring process please contact the Human Resources Department at (206)281-2809, or email hr@spu.edu. Notification must be given at least five (5) working days before the accommodation is needed.

Job Description:

Summary: As a member of Student Financial Services, you have a unique opportunity to impact the lives of students, their families, and colleagues, by helping to reduce barriers and assist students in reaching their educational goals. SPU employees are committed to improving the lives of others as we strive to reflect Christ in our lives and work.

SPU employees also enjoy generous benefits in an environment known for "engaging the culture and changing the world, by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom and modeling grace-filled community!"

SPU pays the employee premium for medical, dental, and vision insurance. SPU makes contributions to an employee HSA account and to a retirement account after one year of eligibility in the plan. Tuition discount program available for the employee and qualified immediate family members, a wonderful opportunity to further your education!

A succesful Financial Aid Specialist will:

• Manage all State Aid Programs and Fine and Performing Arts Scholarships.

• Provide direct student support for prospective, admitted, and continuing students and their families annually, offering excellent customer service skills.

• Exhibit cultural responsiveness and equity commitment in interactions with students, faculty, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.

• Refer students to and assist with funding options from state, federal, and third-party agencies, advocating for historically underrepresented students.

• Counsel financial aid applicants and their families on complex application materials following federal and state guidelines, ensuring confidentiality.

• Apply the principles of Federal Methodology system and financial aid regulations accurately.

• Exercise Professional Judgment within federal guidelines and established policies.

• Analyze incoming financial aid documentation for eligibility based on applicable regulations.

• Perform file verification as required by the Department of Education.

• Independently advise students and parents on financial aid application processes and criteria.

• Interpret and implement local, state, and federal regulations accurately.

• Evaluate student data in multiple database systems for financial aid determination.

• Ensure compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress policies.

• Serve on committees such as Financial Aid Appeal and Professional Judgement.

• Process Return of Title IV Aid (R2T4) calculations to maintain compliance with Federal, State, and Institutional Funds.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or 4 years of comparable experience.

• Experience: Two years of experience in counseling, business, or related field.

• Other Considerations: Computer literate, attention to detail, outstanding communication and counseling skills, ability to work collaboratively, handle stress positively, and create win-win situations in conflict resolution.

• Maturing and contagious Christian faith, with willingness to actively support the Christian mission of the University and accept the lifestyle standards of the Christian community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience: Previous financial aid or student account experience in higher education.

• Software And Equipment Used: Familiarity with Financial Aid System, Banner, and Microsoft Office, including Excel.

Additional Information:

Annual pay: $48,500 - $53,700 DOE

This is a full time position with excellent benefits. SPU pays the employee premium for medical, dental, and vision insurance. SPU makes generous contributions to an employee HSA account and a 7% contribution to a retirement account, for eligible employees, with immediate vesting in the plan. Tuition discount program (50% - 90%) available for the employee and qualified immediate family members.

Application Instructions:

If you are passionate about supporting students and contributing to their success through effective financial services, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications through the apply link. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.