Financial Planning Specialist

Gardner-Webb University is seeking an energetic and dedicated professional with excellent communication skills to serve as Financial Planning Specialist.

The Financial Planning Office is dedicated to providing students and their families with friendly, efficient and responsible services. We continually strive to be innovative in financial aid delivery as well as help support institutional enrollment and retention goals.

While maintaining compliance and upholding office policies and procedures, the Financial Planning Office assists students in obtaining resources to achieve their educational goals through the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid and educates them regarding financial and academic responsibilities associated with the receipt of that aid. The Financial Planning Specialist is the first point of contact for providing immediate service to students and serves as an integral part of the office team in meeting campus goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY IS TO SUPPORT THE FINANCIAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT IN PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide exceptional customer service through all modes of communication (calls, emails, and social media) with students, parents, and all internal and external campus constituents.

• Guide, counsel, and assist students through the financial aid process and applicable institutional policies and procedures.

• Manages front desk operations including email, fax, and other correspondence for the office. Other duties include data entry, organization, scanning/indexing, and the processing of materials provided by financial aid applicants.

• Assist with maintaining Financial Planning Website and Facebook Page.

• Assist with the awarding of outside scholarships and resources.

• Assist with disseminating notifications to students and gathering documentation from students and parents for federal, state, and institutional aid awards and programs.

• Complete and create various forms or letters, as needed.

• Assist with special projects and recruitment events.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Previous financial aid office experience preferred.

• Experience with Banner or similar student software and Microsoft Office products preferred.

SKILLS:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

• Excellent customer service and public speaking skills required.

• A demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines.

• Ability to work flexible hours.

• Ability to perform multiple tasks.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and handle confidential information in a discrete and professional manner.

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, and professional office, email and telephone etiquette.

• Team player that shares our commitment to enhance the student experience and give exemplary customer service.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a letter of interest, résumé, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.