Job Description

Title: Financial Services Specialist

Department/Location

: Office of Admissions and Enrollment/Elsah Campus

Position Type

: Full-Time, 12-months

Summary

The Financial Aid Services Specialist reports directly to management within the Office of Financial Aid at Principia College. This position performs an integral role in providing superior customer service to all internal and external stakeholders. The counselor role conducts evaluations to assess financial need and aid eligibility for undergraduate students and families. This position is also the initial contact for students and families who may have questions, need to drop off documents, inquire about the status of their financial aid, or any other general inquiries. In addition to these duties, this position is responsible for electronic loan certification and disbursement of loan amounts for crediting to student accounts. All functions of this position must operate in compliance with Title IV regulations.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education--blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia's team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.


At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, national champion rugby club, and the nation's oldest student-run public affairs conference.


Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

Provides professional assistance to Office of Financial Aid visitors either in person, on the phone, or virtually through platforms such as Slate CRM, Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Coordinates timely responses to all email and telephone contacts from students and families. Performs need analysis using submitted aid application materials. Packages student aid based on eligibility determinations in compliance with federal and institutional guidelines. Counsels students regarding aid application procedures, awarding policies, billing policies, and missing or incomplete aid application materials. Ensures all student aid is disbursed on time and reviews withdrawn student awards. Responsible for coordinating maintenance of student files (file creation, filing, etc.) Communicates financial aid policies and programs to currently enrolled students with moderate/high levels of guidance. Works in tandem with Prinbill to ensure 100% resolution of financial aid matters. Attends regular Admissions Office meetings for cross-functional support. Monitors progress of FAFSA completion for assigned population. Identifies and resolves aid processing, certification and disbursement issues. Resolves C-codes and reviews conflicting information. Frequently attends Federal Student Aid workshops, webinars and trainings. Assists in preparing for financial aid audits. Performs other related work as needed. Attends training sessions, both on- and off-campus. Submits reports on various office activities/completed tasks. Represents Principia College alongside Admissions during outreach events both on and off campus

Core Competencies

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:

Continuous Learning & Expertise:

Demonstrates mastery in their area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.

Problem Solving & Judgment:

Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.

Excellence & Attention to Detail:

Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.

Service Orientation:

Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Collaboration & Collegiality:

Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.

Communication:

Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.

Inclusion & Belonging:

Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications

Student of Christian Science preferred Supportive of Principia's guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements Bachelor's degree in related field 1-3 years of experience in college and federal financial aid or related area Experience with MS Word, Excel and Outlook; easily adaptable to new technologies Familiarity with Banner financial aid awarding system, preferred Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding government funded assistance Very occasional weekend work required; some travel may be required (working with recruiters in the field)

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive starting salary range for this position: $23.79 - $27.68 hourly, commensurate with experience and qualifications.


In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

Generous Employee Tuition Discount:

Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).

Relocation:

Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.

Professional Development:

Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.

Comprehensive Benefits

: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.


In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia--as an institution with a religious mission--gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.