Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Western Governors University
Job overview
The Financial Aid Specialist plays a crucial role in evaluating financial aid applications and ensuring compliance with regulations, contributing to the university's mission of expanding access to higher education.
Responsibilities and impact
Daily responsibilities include analyzing financial data, processing aid applications, collaborating with university offices, and providing customer service to students regarding their financial aid status.
Compensation and benefits
The salary range for this position is $19.56 - $28.36 per hour, with benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings plans, and flexible paid time off.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience with federal Title IV aid programs, knowledge of financial aid regulations, and strong communication skills; a bachelor's degree and additional financial aid experience are preferred.
Career development
Opportunities for professional growth include participation in training activities and potential advancement within the financial aid department.
Work environment and culture
WGU promotes a diverse and student-focused work environment, emphasizing collaboration and a commitment to helping students succeed.
Company information
Western Governors University is an online university dedicated to expanding access to higher education through innovative, competency-based degree programs.
Team overview
The Financial Aid team is collaborative, working closely with various university departments to support students' financial needs.
Job location and travel
This position is based at Western Governors University, which operates primarily online, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.
Application process
Interested applicants must submit an online application, with internal candidates applying through the internal job board in Workday.
Unique job features
This role offers the opportunity to work with various financial aid programs and requires strong analytical skills to navigate complex regulations.
Company overview
Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited online university that offers competency-based education, primarily targeting working adults seeking to advance their careers through flexible learning. Founded in 1997 by a group of U.S. governors, WGU makes money through tuition fees, which are charged at a flat rate per term rather than per credit hour, making it cost-effective for students to accelerate their studies. The university is notable for its innovative approach to higher education, emphasizing mastery of skills and knowledge over traditional classroom time, and has grown significantly, serving tens of thousands of students across the United States.
How to land this job
Position your resume to emphasize your knowledge of federal and state financial aid, particularly Title IV programs, as this is crucial for the Financial Aid Specialist role at Western Governors University.
Highlight your experience in evaluating financial aid applications, determining eligibility, and providing exceptional customer service, as these are key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply through multiple platforms, including the Western Governors University corporate site and LinkedIn, to enhance your chances of being noticed for this position.
Connect with current employees in the financial aid division at Western Governors University on LinkedIn to express your interest in the role; consider ice breakers such as asking about their experiences with student interactions or recent changes in financial aid policies.
Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by incorporating keywords from the job description, such as 'financial aid,' 'Title IV,' and 'customer service,' to ensure it passes initial screenings.
Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to streamline your application process, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your job search while ensuring your resume and applications are tailored effectively.
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