Refund & Collections 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 Bursar is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Refund & Collections Specialist to join Unity Environmental University administrative team. The Refund & Collections Specialist is focused on refunds and will play a vital role in processing and managing student refunds and ensuring accurate and timely disbursements. The primary responsibility will be handling all aspects of the refund process, from verifying eligibility to coordinating with various units and maintaining accurate records. The Refund & Collections Specialist manages and collects outstanding debts owed to Unity Environmental University. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service to the student population.

Day to day responsibilities:

• Process and manage student refunds efficiently and accurately, ensuring compliance with Unity Environmental University policies, state regulations, and financial aid requirements.
• Review student accounts to determine refund eligibility based on enrollment status, financial aid awards, and other relevant factors.
• Collaborate with the financial aid office and other units to gather necessary information and resolve any discrepancies related to refunds.
• Assist with research on returned refund checks, e-refunds and uncashed checks.
• Coordinate with the Bursar team to ensure accurate and up-to-date records of refund disbursements.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and institutional refund policies and guidelines.
• Provide guidance and support to students regarding refund processes, policies, and timelines.
• Stay up-to-date with industry best practices and changes in refund guidelines to ensure compliance and process improvements.
• Collaborate with the Bursar team to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness of services.
• Assist with collections on late and delinquent student accounts by contacting students via phone calls, emails, or letters to remind them about their outstanding payments and negotiate repayment plans.
• Review and reconcile student accounts daily to identify discrepancies and ensure accurate records of transaction.
• Investigate and address student complaints, billing errors or disputes related to invoices or payment terms, ensuring prompt resolution, and maintaining positive customer relations.
• Maintain detailed records of communication with students, payment agreements, and any other relevant information. Generate reports and provide regular updates on collection activities and account statuses.
• Interact with others professionally and tactfully, provide assistance and guidance regarding payments options, due dates, and potential consequences of non-payment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?

• Associate degree and a minimum of 1-3 years job related experience or in lieu of Associate degree equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic knowledge of accounting and collections processes.
• 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 work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Able to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Extensive 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.

Preferred:

• Experience in a higher education environment or financial services department
   

Are you thinking about applying but unsure if it's the right fit? We encourage you to reach out anyway. We recognize that everyone brings different experiences and skills to the table. Take a chance and submit your application; you might be exactly who we're looking for.

Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine
Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, Unity @ Pineland & 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, and weekends. Working extended hours required as needed. Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling responsibilities and meeting the Institution’s needs. Although Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to work at their specifically assigned locations, 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 25 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