Manage all aspects of the State of Michigan Futures for Frontliners and Reconnect financial aid programs and the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Program. Responsible for using rosters and systems to identify potential students and develop communication strategies, in cooperation with the Promise Zone Director at GRCC and with the Executive Director of Financial Aid. Serve as a point of contact for students with financial aid questions for these aid programs. Manage and conduct the process for confirming student eligibility and calculating awards. Maintain regular reports for the college and assist with regular reports to the State of Michigan.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Implement the process for regular download of program rosters from the State of Michigan on a weekly basis (or more frequently as needed). Ensure that student records are updated appropriately.
Ensure the use of the GRCC data system to appropriately identify and track students based on their eligibility for the aid programs.
Function as a contact point for student inquiries, including responding to student questions via the Frontliners and Reconnect phone number and email addresses, maintaining the information on the GRCC website, and providing regular updates to other GRCC staff members.
Serve as one of the liaisons between GRCC and the Reconnect Navigator from the State of Michigan.
In cooperation with other GRCC departments, develop promotional communication to students who are eligible for Futures for Frontliners or Reconnect.
In cooperation with other GRCC departments, develop and implement communication for students who are in various stages of determining their eligibility for the aid programs. This includes but is not limited to providing general presentations, contacting students who need to complete their FAFSA, and informing students as to their status throughout the enrollment and awarding process.
Develop and implement tracking processes within the GRCC data system to comply with State tracking requirements for continued student eligibility including completion of requisite number of credits and maintaining a minimum GPA.
Maintain an expert knowledge of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone program and State of Michigan financial aid programs, especially Futures for Frontliners and Reconnect.
Ensure that all updates from the State of Michigan and Promise Zone Director are communicated to appropriate members of the GRCC community so as to ensure students have updated information and that GRCC maintains its compliance with State guidelines.
Calculate and monitor student awards, including adjusting awards within Promise Zone, State, and Federal guidelines when a student enrolls, withdraws, or has a change in other aid that affects the amount of a student's award.
Work in cooperation with members of the Financial Aid Office, the Promise Zone Director, and with other GRCC departments to implement improvements as appropriate to the Promise Zone, Futures for Frontliners and Reconnect processes.
In cooperation with the Executive Director of Financial Aid and Promise Zone Director, establish and implement regular reports to the GRCC community and submit reports as needed to the State of Michigan.
In cooperation with the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, prepare approval and submission to ensure the timely and accurate submission of payment rosters to the State of Michigan and updating payment information for students on the State's Mi-SSG system.
Provide ongoing communication to students so as to remind them of the requirements for maintaining eligibility for the programs.
Provide ad hoc data reports to the college as assigned.
Assist with general student phone calls, student emails, and other tasks as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education
Associate's Degree required.
Experience
Experience working in higher education preferred
Recruiting and outreach experience
Experience with the awarding and/or administration of State of Michigan financial aid programs preferred.
Experience with awarding and/or administration of federal financial aid programs preferred.
Experience with various online government data systems, specifically the MI-SSG system, but including FAA Access, COD, NSLDS, Partner Connect, and other online systems preferred.
Skills:
A strong understanding of accounting principles, analytical skills, and statistical knowledge strongly preferred.
A high level of attention to detail and working with complex processes.
Demonstrated technology skills, including proficiency with MS Office products and financial aid web systems including the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), the Common Origination and Disbursement website (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and Financial Aid Administrator Access (FAA Access).
Working knowledge of data systems related to higher education. the PeopleSoft Campus Wide Information System including Query and Crystal reporting tools is preferred.
Ability to speak Spanish preferred.
Mental Demands:
Must demonstrate high levels of customer service and interpersonal skills, as well as strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student, staff, and business partner population and provide exceptional customer service.
Ability to plan and work independently and as a team member.
Ability to follow detailed processes.
Must be punctual with a good attendance record.
Physical Demands:
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
Working Conditions:
Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, which includes evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a high level of accuracy.
Grand Rapids Community College is required to comply with the OSHA emergency temporary standard (ETS). Employees will either have to be vaccinated or comply with weekly testing requirements.
Method of Application:
Grand Rapids Community College is only accepting online applications for this position. To apply for this position, please visit our website at Job Postings . Submit a cover letter and resume in one document. The opportunity to apply for this position will open until filled. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer.
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.
The urban campus of Grand Rapids Community College is situated on a six-block area in the heart of Michigan’s second largest metropolitan area with a population approaching one million. GRCC, founded in 1914, is the oldest community college in Michigan, but the atmosphere is exciting and contemporary; its top-notch faculty, commitment to diversity in programming and campus lifestyle, and the strong spirit of community collaboration under the leadership of President Bill Pink, make it a vital and rewarding workplace. Known as “The Community’s College,” GRCC is responsive to the needs of surrounding business, economic, cultural and educational environments. The college offers credit and non-credit, associate degree and certification programs, and workforce training at both on- and off-campus locations so that students of all ages and abilities can pursue personal goals for higher education and/or enhanced job opportunities with success. For more information about GRCC, visit our website at www.grcc.edu