Financial Aid Coordinator (Financial Aid Advisor II)

Title: Financial Aid Coordinator (Financial Aid Advisor II)

Salary Range: 41,730.00

Standard Hours: 37.5

Work Location: Discretionary Hybrid

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

College: Gateway Community & Technical College, Boone Campus

Department: Financial Aid

Total Rewards

Gateway Community & Technical College offers a competitive benefits package and an attractive work environment that supports excellence, innovation, and creativity, including:

• Exceptional health care, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family
• Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Work-Life Balance
• 9.5 Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

Manage and oversee Gateway’s scholarship and Federal Work-Study programs. Provide guidance and support to students, faculty, and staff on general financial aid inquiries. Develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, while delivering high-quality service to students.

Job Duties:

• Answer complex inquiries and provide advanced guidance to help students navigate financial and administrative services, supporting recruitment, retention, and graduation goals.
• Counsel students on educational funding options, assist with form completion, and serve as a liaison between students and internal/external offices. 
• Collaborate with Information Commons, Advising, and Bookstore staff via instant messaging, email, phone, and in-person interactions to resolve financial aid questions.
• Respond to inquiries through the Signal Vine texting platform promptly and professionally.
• Stay current with frequent changes in financial aid regulations to ensure accurate information is provided to students and departments.
• Fully utilize professional development opportunities to maintain a high level of service for prospective, new, and current students.
• Work cooperatively as a member of the Gateway Financial Aid team to deliver quality service and support student success.
  
• Manage Gateway’s institutional scholarship program, including recruitment, application, selection, awarding, budgeting, compliance, and disbursement processes.
• Coordinate efforts with the Development Office, scholarship review committee, Business Office, recruiters, and Marketing.
• Determine eligibility for institutional scholarships and act as a liaison for internal departments and students requesting scholarship information. Lead the scholarship selection committee and oversee scholarship software (Blackbaud Award Management), ensuring continued development and documentation. Utilize award management software to select students for KCTCS scholarships. Actively market scholarship opportunities to increase student awareness and applications.
• Coordinate information with local high schools through recruiters to provide application opportunities
  
• Manage Gateway’s Federal Work-Study program, including recruiting, hiring supervisors and student applicants, posting and marketing positions, and verifying student eligibility. Coordinate interviews between applicants and supervisors, oversee hiring processes, and ensure completion of associated paperwork. Review electronic and paper timesheets for accuracy and compliance.
• Administer and monitor the federally funded annual budget, maintain records, and complete required reports and documentation. Coordinate with internal departments and external non-profit organizations to facilitate placements. Ensure compliance with all requirements for employed students and act as a liaison between students and employers. Fulfill annual community service and reading tutor requirements as mandated by federal guidelines.
  
• Implement educational programs for students and external audiences on topics including financial aid. Host internal and external financial aid workshops and staff information tables at events. Collaborate with area high schools and outside agencies to ensure financial aid availability and promote access to higher education.
• Manage the Early Childhood Development Scholarship program, including reporting enrollment, determining eligibility, requesting and awarding funds, and processing refunds. Communicate with students and the state program coordinator as needed regarding scholarship requirements and status.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional goals.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  
• Two years of experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field
  
• Skilled in outreach, marketing, and public speaking
  
• Strong organizational and compliance tracking abilities
  
• Collaborative mindset and adaptability to change
  
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, able to work independently and adapt seamlessly to fast-paced, dynamic environments.
  
• Skilled in engaging and supporting students from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and meet tight deadlines.
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Forms, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word).
• To perform all job responsibilities, applicants may not be in default on a federal student loan
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of financial aid regulations and scholarship administration
  
• Proficiency with financial aid systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Blackbaud) and digital communication tools
  
• Previous experience in a community college setting
  

Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.