Financial Aid Specialist

Financial Aid Specialist Posting Number: 0001064 Reports to: Director, Financial Aid Department: Student Support Services Classification: Non\-Exempt Full or Part\-time: Full Time Job Summary: This position manages key Financial Aid processes and possess a full knowledge of all the regulations and guidelines concerning financial aid, the ability to perform verification, and the ability to exercise professional judgment in accordance with the Department of Education's rules and guidelines. Incumbents in this position support student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness by ensuring state and federal compliance are met and encouraging student success through the Financial Aid process. Essential Functions: 1\. Assists students and prospective students with their applications for financial aid; 2\. Performs any and all clerical work related to financial aid administration; 3\. Performs eligibility determinations and verification for any federal, state, or local aid program; 4\. Uses professional judgment (as defined by the Department of Education) when directed; 5\. Serve as a reviewer for scholarship applications and appeals; 6\. Plans and monitors specific projects, ensuring they are carried out on time and in compliance; 7\. Identifies and researches potential problems and make recommendations for action to director; 8\. Works with Director, Information Technology staff, and any other relevant parties as necessary to update the student information system to make necessary changes to financial aid processing as a result of new regulations, policies, procedures, and/or aid years; 9\. Participates in the annual program planning process, including staff meetings and retreats; 10\. Maintains current knowledge of all laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to financial aid programs and analyze policies and procedures to ensure compliance; 11\. Corresponds with Lake Michigan College personnel, students, parents, and various outside agencies to resolve conflicts of information and any other concerns related to financial aid; 12\. Serves as primary administrator and point\-of\-contact for specific financial aid programs or activities (e.g. loan processing, work\-study, outside scholarships, state grant programs, etc.) 13\. Assists Director with the preparation of various financial aid reports; 14\. Conducts outreach activities at local high schools, community functions, and on\-campus events; 15\. Performs a variety of technical duties in the review, evaluation, maintenance, reconciliation and adjustment of financial aid accounts; 16\. Ensures accuracy of student and financial data in all transactions involving the student information system or any other software used by the department; 17\. Creates queries and extract data to prepare and maintain a variety of statistical records and reports related to financial aid and its administration; 18\. Serves as a financial aid representative on committees or workgroups as necessary Other Duties: Accountabilities: Job Specifications: Bachelor's degree required and minimum 1\-year relevant work experience, or associate's degree with plan to complete Bachelor's degree in business or finance preferred. Minimum 2 years' experience in financial aid or other heavily regulated industry experience required. Banner experience preferred. Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, and high level of confidence required. Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of staff students. To provide the best service to our external and internal customers, all positions at Lake Michigan College require regular and predicable on\-site attendance as an essential job functions. Under certain circumstances, the College may consider alternative work arrangements and will do so in compliance with and according to the parameters outlined in the College's Flexible Scheduling and Remote Work Options policy. Grade: Salary Range: $19\.75 \- $25\.70 Special Instructions to Applicants: Be a part of the Red Hawk family and apply today! Benefits start on first day of hire! Extensive paid time off (including Spring Break), College fully pays the in\-network health insurance deductible, minimum of 10% employer retirement contribution per payroll, and much more! https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/about. Virtual Campus tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\=NMxd91KXcGs SW Michigan information: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlive/posts/10159842598643896 YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cc2w\_HihK20 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQb1c8fJ5ay/Thrive in Southwest Michigan Official transcripts required upon hire. Monday through Thursday summer work hours apply to this position. Information on our standard hiring process: Lake Michigan College will accept applications on this position for at least 14 days. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications as received. Once the search committee has determined which applicants they would like to interview, those applicants will be contacted. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at hr@lakemichigancollege.edu. Open Date: 09/08/2026 Closing Date: 10/09/2026 To apply, visit https://lmc.simplehire.com/postings/5794 About Lake Michigan College Lake Michigan College is a community college in southwest Michigan. We have three campuses \-two of which are located ten minutes from our namesake's breathtaking shoreline. Like other community colleges, we offer associate degrees, certificates, and even a baccalaureate degree. But what sets us apart from our peers is our seemingly limitless potential and our people \- people who care deeply about our region's future and who are committed to student success and exemplary educational programs, strong alignments with both established and emerging industries, and productive partnerships with the communities we serve. Faculty and staff at LMC enjoy excellent benefits and a supportive and friendly work environment. LMC recently received a Capital Outlay grant from the State of Michigan and a new millage from the southwest Michigan community, so the college's facilities will be getting innovative, sustainable upgrades in the next few years that will contribute to the comfort, productivity and collaborative environment for all employees. Living in Southwest Michigan Southwest Michigan attracts millions of tourists who come for our beaches, wineries, and nationally acclaimed golf courses. But many who visit, choose to stay for our great schools, low cost of living, and high quality of life. LMC's main campus is nestled in a watery and wooded wildlife sanctuary, yet it's less than a half\-day's drive from major metro areas including Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Indianapolis. je\-9618e2c572d540468a71faeb8160a30e