Job Summary
The Student Financial Aid Program Specialist serves as the primary administrator for core federal and private financial aid programs?specifically the Federal Pell Grant Program, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, and private/alternative education loans.
The Specialist is responsible for daily and cyclical processing activities, including federal file transmissions, disbursement management, eligibility review, compliance monitoring, and monthly reconciliation.
This position requires strong technical and analytical skills, deep familiarity with Title IV regulations, and the ability to ensure full compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
The Specialist also provides high-quality service to students, families, and campus partners while supporting the mission and values of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the University of Michigan?Dearborn.
Responsibilities*
Federal, State, and Private Loan/Grant Processing (70%)
- Serve as the primary administrator for the Pell Grant Program, Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS), and private/alternative loan programs.
- Manage all federal data transmissions through COD/SAIG and ensure timely acceptance of originations and disbursements.
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve rejected, delayed, or conflicting records for Pell, Direct Loans, and private loans.
- Process entrance counseling, Master Promissory Note (MPN) data, disbursement holds, and student eligibility requirements.
- Perform transfer monitoring and resolve NSLDS conflicts to ensure accurate awarding.
- Complete monthly program reconciliation in collaboration with Financial Services.
- Review and resolve over award reports, compliance audits, and disbursement exceptions.
- Support the timely certification and disbursement of private/alternative loans.
- Assist students and families with questions related to loan disbursement, eligibility, and required steps for aid release.
- Serve as the primary resource for OFAS staff and campus partners regarding federal and private loan processing.
Compliance and Program Oversight (20%)
- Ensure full compliance with Title IV, state, and institutional regulations for all assigned programs.
- Interpret regulatory updates and advise internal stakeholders of operational impacts.
- Maintain accurate program documentation, including an up-to-date processing manual.
- Stay current with federal and state regulations by reviewing Department of Education updates, NASFAA guidance, and other professional resources.
- Recommend updates to procedures, forms, and workflows related to federal and private loan processing.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2-3 years of experience in financial aid processing or a comparable regulatory/data-driven environment.
- Working knowledge of Title IV regulations, especially Pell Grant and Direct Loan administration.
- Experience with integrated student information systems (Banner preferred) and document imaging systems.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial documents and resolve complex data or eligibility issues.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines accurately.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to support students and collaborate with staff.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, and maintain strict confidentiality.
- Must not be in default or overpayment on any Title IV aid program.
Why Work at U-M Dearborn?
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a vibrant and diverse community, centrally located within one of America's largest business regions. The area provides a variety of urban, suburban, and rural environments within a reasonable commute, including Detroit, its suburbs, and Ann Arbor.
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a comprehensive benefits package, effective on your first day to help you and your family stay well, and plan for a secure future.
Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, along with prescription drug plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility from the UM Human Resources Benefits and Wellness webpage.
Additional UM-Dearborn benefits include:
- Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement. Learn more about the tuition reimbursement policy.
- Eligible UM-Dearborn dependents may receive a 50% tuition and fees scholarship towards undergraduate courses. Learn more about the Dependent Tuition Scholarship from the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships webpage.
- No charge for all faculty and staff parking permits. Learn more from the Parking Transportation webpage.
Information about our mission, values and leadership can be found at: https://umdearborn.edu/about-um-dearborn/mission
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Additional Information
Candidates must be able to be lawfully employed in the United States; sponsorship to obtain such status is not available at this time.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.