Classification Description Job Title: Financial Aid Communications Coordinator Job Code: 3623 Pay Grade: 23 FLSA Status: Exempt Job Purpose This is responsible, professional work in support of the development and dissemination of electronic and written communications for the Office of Student Financial Aid. This position collaborates with College leadership in the creation and implementation of communication strategies, as well as an overall strategic communications plan specific to financial aid students. This position will focus on communication strategies through various methods, including web content management and will include writing, editing and coordinating innovative communications initiatives through a variety of media including written materials and web content. This position will be expected to maintain a thorough and current working knowledge of all federal Title IV, State of Florida, and institutional rules, regulations and procedures to ensure the accurate release of information and program compliance. General Responsibilities Collaborates with appropriate leadership in the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication plan and two monthly newsletters, one for students and one for staff, from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Develops and implements a variety of communication campaigns supporting students, faculty and staff including, but is not limited to, e-mail communications, social media, print, portal and the financial aid web site. Develops all financial aid communications including, but not limited to, verifications, Standards of Academic Progress (SAP), Return of Title IV (R2T4) and award letters. Supports the development of content for the Office of Student Financial Aid website in English, Spanish and Creole and provides internal customer service to financial aid staff with continued review of all updates and changes to the website. Supervises assigned personnel in accordance with college policies and applicable laws including interviewing, hiring, evaluating; plans, assigns, and directs work as directed. Supervises student assistants that work directly with the Financial Aid Communications Associate translating the Office of Financial Aid website from English to Spanish and Creole. Page 1 of 5
Collaborates with the Webmaster and appropriate staff to maintain an accurate and up to date website and portal area for Student Financial Aid. Communicates changes and updates in federal and state student financial aid regulations to appropriate staff. Creates and delivers College-wide portal announcements to all financial aid applicants. Assists College leadership and the Director of Financial Aid with the creation of presentations, training materials, brochures, posters, and financial aid information to be broadcast in the Student Services lobby via TV s. Works in conjunction with key Enrollment Management and Student Affairs staff regarding communication efforts, including participating in focus groups, facilitating surveys and participating in internal communication committees. Provides guidance and support in the on-going development and implementation of Student Financial Aid operating procedures, forms and other related documents. Establishes and creates communications, presentations and Financial Aid information sheets to be used in conjunction with recruitment events held College-wide throughout the College s fivecounty area. Attends recruiting activities held College-wide including, but not limited to, high school visits, open houses and other recruitment events attended by the Office of Admissions to provide potential students with financial aid information and deadlines to assist them with college choice. Develops, plans, coordinates and attends orientation and financial literacy events College-wide. Conducts presentations to various groups on financial literacy, budgeting, and debt management. Collaborates, partners, and assists with other financial literacy constituents within the College and in the community with regards to financial literacy programs and initiatives. Remains current in knowledge of Federal Pell Grant, Florida grants and scholarships, veterans programs, Federal Work-study, scholarships, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), student loans and federal, state, and College operating procedures related to student financial aid. Uses such knowledge to guide College-wide communication efforts for the Office of Student Financial Aid. Ensures the College is compliant with all consumer information as required for Title IV eligibility, through collaborating with other departments College-wide. Cross trains as needed in various areas of the department and participates in the daily operations of the Office of Student Financial Aid to ensure a complete understanding of departmental functions and support the maintenance of a high level of customer service at all times. Page 2 of 5
Develops, implements and maintains a tracking system for financial aid questions, concerns, and complaints from students. Collaborates with departmental and College leadership to ensure procedures are in place for the resolution of issues collected in the data. Performs other duties as assigned. These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed; employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required. An employee with a disability is encouraged to contact the Human Resources Office to evaluate the job in greater detail in order to determine if she/he can safely perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Three (3) years of full-time professional work experience in College financial aid, financial services or a related field. Demonstrated experience using a personal computer, office software such as MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel), and electronic mail. Demonstrated ability to: Ability to work with diverse groups and successfully accomplish and track multiple tasks on an on-going basis. Think critically and make clear, well-reasoned and timely decisions. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, agents, vendors, and the public. Work in a fast-paced, demanding environment. Deal professionally with administrative College officials and outside contacts. Analyze facts and exercise judgment at arriving at valid conclusions. Organize and assemble statistical and specialized data. Master function specific technology programs such as SCT Banner. Think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational culture. Exhibit a thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and outside regulations pertaining to the position. Possess a working knowledge of operational and fiscal analysis techniques. Take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved. Anticipate, investigate, and analyze problems and address them proactively. Work independently and follow through on assignments. Page 3 of 5
Exhibit solid organizational skills and be detail oriented. Work with a variety of constituencies and be willing to contribute to a team effort. Exercise discretion and good judgment at all times and in all contexts and maintain confidentiality. Work effectively with all constituencies of the College. Collect, organize, analyze and present information in a meaningful manner. Collaborate and be effective working with diverse populations. Critical Skills/Expertise All employees are expected to: Promote a common purpose consistent with stated College goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment. Possess the knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and have the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job tasks. Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision, guidance and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies. Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Present a professional image in word, action and attire. Demonstrate professionalism in dealing with a diverse population while understanding and respecting each other s view of the world, personalities and working styles. Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the College s standards of ethical conduct. Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicate and collaborate with others to achieve goals. Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement. Work Conditions/Physical Demands/Special Conditions Physical: Environmental: Mental: Routinely requires the ability to see, hear, and speak. Routinely requires sitting, bending, stooping, walking. On occasion, incumbents may be required to lift 20 or more pounds. Normal general office. Routinely requires the ability to interpret, analyze and perform critical thinking skills necessary. Approved: August 31, 2015. Page 4 of 5
Recommended: Approved: Bonnie Etheridge Catherine Morgan Assistant Director, Human Resources Operations Director, Student Financial Aid Approved: Dr. Gina Doeble Vice President, Administrative Services Page 5 of 5