Financial Aid Specialist

Description

About Unity:
At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including in-person, hyflex, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission:
We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.

About The Enterprise Model:
In 2017, Unity Environmental University pioneered a shift in organizational structure by embracing the Enterprise Model. This innovative model strategically segments the university into several Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs), each functioning with a high degree of autonomy. Designed akin to a matrix organization, the Enterprise Model combines the benefits of both centralized and decentralized management, enhancing the university's agility and responsiveness to the dynamic needs of its students and broader societal challenges.

This entrepreneurial framework fosters an environment where each SEBU operates as an independent entity, yet is interconnected with the university's core mission. The SEBUs are empowered to develop specialized programs, services, and products that directly meet the unique demands of their specific audiences.

Leadership within the Enterprise Model is both collaborative and authoritative; decisions are made efficiently at various levels, from the President to the Heads of SEBUs and Chief Officers, all incorporating feedback from relevant stakeholders. This model abolishes traditional silos and eschews the need for consensus, ensuring that no single entity can veto the decisions of another, thereby maintaining a streamlined and effective decision-making process. In this model, every faculty member reports to a Dean who oversees their daily work and performance evaluations.
 

The Opportunity:
The Financial Aid Specialist (FAS) supports the Assistant Director of Distance Education Financial Aid through the administration and dissemination of Financial Aid policies and procedures for Unity Environmental University constituents. This is a generalist position that will support the Distance Education Sustainable Education Business Unit (SEBU). This position is responsible for working directly with Unity Environmental University staff to support students in managing financial needs and requirements.  The FAS will manage and use student financial aid programs and financial aid information systems, as well as report and retrieve information for program management and reports.  Work will involve using Financial Aid Management Systems, Student Billing Software, and an Information System.

Day to day responsibilities:

• Monitor program compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies using system and quality controls. 
• Conduct student aid reviews including needs analysis, budgeting, packaging, verification, loan processing, certification, and tracking.
• Counsel student-facing staff on financial aid and student account matters such as application procedures, borrowing, employment, outside aid, other funding, and alternative funding.
• Provide support and clarification to the decentralized Recruitment and Student Success teams on relaying Financial Aid updates to admitted and current students.
• Assist in adjusting financial aid awards.
• Answer in-coming phone calls, emails, and cases.
• Coordinate the mailing of lender notifications-entrance and exit counseling, and award letters.
• Assist in the creation, revision, and updating of publications, standardized letters, manuals, and forms used in student aid.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of business procedures related to financial aid administration.
• Review and maintain student files
• Execute student financial aid processes for the Distance Education SEBU.  
• Perform outreach activities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid.
• Attend required trainings to learn and maintain required skills to perform all duties for Financial Aid.
• Pro-actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?

• Associate degree and a minimum of 1-2 years of job-related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Willingness to learn basic knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and to provide a demonstrated commitment to student aid.
• Basic knowledge of accounting and billing services.
• Must be capable of independent judgement, highly motivated with strong organizational skills.
• Must be flexible with good interpersonal skills.
• Able to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Able to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals. 
• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from students, parents, staff, managers, and the public.
• Able to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Able to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Knowledge of computerized database systems, word processing and spreadsheets.
• Able to define problems, collect data establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Able to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous and well poised.
   

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our institution, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges. Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the individual we're searching for!
 

Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine
Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, The Technical School for Environmental Professions, and the School of Environmental Business & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.|
 

Work Schedule:
Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, weekends. Working extended hours may be required as needed and Unity Environmental University employees must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their responsibilities while meeting the Universities needs.

Although at Unity Environmental University Enterprise employees are generally scheduled to work at their base location, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.
 

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping, and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.
 

Company Perks:
Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Paid holidays off
• 4 weeks of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance