Financial Aid Associate

Organizational Overview

IYRS School of Technology & Trades is the premier marine trades and advanced technologies career school. Located in the heart of downtown Newport, RI, IYRS leads the region and nation in academic outcomes related to skilled-workforce training, retention, graduation, and employment rates.

IYRS School of Technology & Trades is the only accredited private non-profit career school in Rhode Island recognized by the Department of Education. Our 3-acre harbor-front campus houses amazing facilities with traditional and state-of-the-art equipment. Our mission is to empower students through immersive, hands-on innovative learning to realize their full potential.

IYRS offers four certificate programs for people interested in careers in marine trades and advanced technologies. IYRS students are passionate about thinking and working through hands-on learning to develop skills and problem-solving abilities. IYRS was named a Best Maker School by Newsweek Magazine in 2021.

Offering a great work environment, and collaborative team culture, IYRS offers competitive salaries and a robust benefits package including healthcare and retirement as well as generous holiday and vacation benefits. Additionally, IYRS is within walking distance of world-class museums, restaurants, beaches, boating, green space, and more.

Purpose of Position

As a member of the Student Services Department the Financial Aid Associate is responsible for the financial and compliance needs of the school and our students.

Major Responsibilities

Financial Aid Activities

• Manage Title IV funding, veterans’ education benefits, scholarship awarding, alternative loans, and unemployment benefits.
• Provide financial aid guidance to students and parents.
• Assist students on financial aid and scholarship applications.
• Work with Veteran applicants on their GI Benefits and financial needs.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial assistance information for students and parents.
• Keep detailed records and documentation on individual student applicants and financial aid awarded.
• Complete all trainings necessary for compliance and financial aid distribution.

Organizational Compliance

• Complete all compliance reporting as it relates to institutional, state, and federal regulatory requirements such as the State of Rhode Island, Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor and Training, and Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and IYRS’s accrediting agencies.
• Work within student databases making updates and pulling reports.
• Monitor and implement updated state and federal law compliance standards.
• Work with program departments on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to ensure students are meeting qualitative and quantitative requirements.
• Serve as member of IYRS’s Enrollment Team along with the Admissions and Finance departments, regularly strategizing to meet enrollment goals, and priorities for the allocation of financial aid.
• Participate in IYRS Scholarship awarding.
• As a member of the Student Services Team, support the department in student-facing activities.

Additional time is required to support student and organizational activities such as Launch/Graduation Day, Annual Gala, and open houses which may include some evenings and weekends.

Essential KSOCs (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics)

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Natural curiosity and passion for personal growth
• Ability to self-start and flexibility to work independently and as a team
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and an eagerness to leverage technology
• Experience with data entry and CRM systems
• Confidence working with a diverse demographic of students, staff, faculty, and senior management
• Discretion managing sensitive information and processes

Educational Requirements

• Associate degree or higher
• Higher education and/or non-profit experience

Other Expectations

Each employee at IYRS is expected to demonstrate the following in the regular performance of his or her job duties:

• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of IYRS
• Adherence to IYRS’s Code of Conduct
• A positive attitude and willingness to contribute productively to the success of the team and the organization
• An understanding of and commitment to the IYRS’s core competencies of accountability, collaboration, communication, institutional values, and service
• Active participation in efforts geared toward directing and improving the overall operations of IYRS, such as strategic planning, organizational development, and performance improvement
• Commitment to acting as an advocate and ambassador for IYRS
• Sense of ownership and pride in personal performance
• Adherence to all existing IYRS policies and procedure

Salary Range and Benefits

• Salary dependent on experience
• Paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account and Health Savings Account
• Retirement plan with company match