Home > About > Employment > Staff > Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist
Financial Aid Scholarship Specialist
LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University (WBU) – Plainview Campus
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid
SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director of Financial Aid
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Nonexempt
POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Scholarship Specialist supports the daily operations of the institution’s scholarship programs. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Scholarships, this position focuses on the accurate management of scholarship applications, award processes, and providing excellent service to students. The Specialist ensures that all scholarships are awarded according to institutional policies and donor requirements.
SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES:
- Scholarship Application Management:
- Assist in managing the scholarship application process, including collecting and reviewing student applications for eligibility and completeness.
- Work with the Assistant Director of Scholarships to implement and streamline the application process, ensuring it is user-friendly and accessible to all students.
- Ensure deadlines are communicated effectively and applications are processed in a timely manner.
- Award Disbursement and Record Keeping:
- Coordinate the disbursement of scholarship awards in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid and Business Office, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional guidelines.
- Maintain detailed records of all scholarship applicants, awards, and funding sources.
- Monitor and reconcile scholarship accounts, ensuring all awards are properly tracked and disbursed.
- Student Communication and Support:
- Serve as a primary point of contact for students regarding scholarship opportunities, eligibility, application status, and award disbursement.
- Provide timely responses to student inquiries and assist students with troubleshooting application issues.
- Conduct outreach to students regarding new scholarship opportunities or upcoming deadlines.
- Collaboration with Departments and Donors:
- Assist the Assistant Director of Scholarships in coordinating with internal departments such as the Business Office, Advancement, and academic departments to ensure proper management of scholarship funds.
- Communicate with external donors as needed to discuss donor recommendations, award criteria, and expectations.
- Data Entry and Reporting:
- Enter and update scholarship-related data in the institution’s scholarship management systems.
- Generate reports on scholarship disbursements, fund balances, and student award information as required by the Assistant Director of Scholarships or other stakeholders.
- Policy Adherence and Compliance:
- Ensure that all scholarship awards follow institutional policies, donor agreements, and applicable regulations.
- Assist in maintaining compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations concerning scholarship administration.
- Event Coordination:
- Assist in coordinating scholarship-related events, such as award ceremonies or donor recognition events, in collaboration with other departments.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in higher education, financial aid, or related field.
- 1-3 years of experience in scholarship administration, financial aid, or student services.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (primarily Excel), data management, and familiarity with scholarship or financial aid management systems (PowerFaids, PowerCampus, Blackbaud Award Management, Perceptive Content) is preferred.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Additional Requirements:
Must not be delinquent or have defaulted on any Federal Student Loans. A check of the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) will be conducted to ensure the requirement is met.
Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.
Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its mission and purposes.
听