Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Award Officer evaluates, approves, and awards financial aid to students in accordance with federal and state regulations and University policies. The Awards Officer determines and adjusts students’ financial aid packages that may include grants, scholarships, fellowships, and loans in conjunction with the Financial Aid Office and the US Department of Education guidelines.

About Maharishi International University and the Opportunity:

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, MIU has over a 50-year history as an innovator in higher education. With a headcount of nearly 3,000 students, more than half of MIU’s instruction is online. We have 15 online graduate programs, and our online undergraduate enrollment has increased from 100 to 500 in just the past four years. This growth has been supported by a multi-year, multimillion-dollar grant to fund the digital transformation of the university.

Most importantly, MIU is the world pioneer of Consciousness-Based education, with the mission of promoting the development of every student’s physical, mental, and emotional potential through the development of consciousness, using the simple, natural, and effortless technique of Transcendental Meditation (TM).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assess the financial needs of students, and provide advice and counsel regarding available financial aid options, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
2. Review and assess student FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) eligibility for financial aid.
3. Review for accuracy and provide signature approval/disapproval of loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents.
4. Conduct orientations, and entrance and exit interviews, in accordance with University, state, federal, and other agency guidelines.
5. Provide accurate and timely information - in person and via phone/email - to students regarding student financial aid and registration status.
6. Recommend process and efficiency improvements to benefit students in specific demographic groups such as new admits, transfer students, re-entry students, and students withdrawing from the University.
7. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• BA degree (MA preferred).
• 2-3 years of experience in a dynamic office environment - preferably in higher education - using computer systems such as Microsoft Office and web-based productivity tools.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail, meet inflexible deadlines, remain calm during difficult situations, work under pressure, and perform tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to problem-solve to full resolution and manage projects that align with the short- and long-term strategic plan of the University.
• Ability to assess, consider, and take advantage of personal and professional growth opportunities advanced by the University on behalf of students, staff, and faculty.