Lead Financial Aid Specialist

Position Summary: 

The Lead Financial Aid Specialist serves as an advanced individual contributor responsible for performing complex Title IV financial aid administration while supporting operational excellence across the Financial Aid department. This position performs advanced financial aid processing requiring extensive knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, institutional policies and financial aid systems. This role provides expertise in researching, analyzing and resolving complex student and operational scenarios and serves as a subject matter expert and escalation resource for complex regulatory, operational and systems-related questions while carrying a significant portfolio of substantive financial aid responsibilities. 

The Specialist partners closely with department leadership to support the implementation of regulatory, procedural and technology changes through testing, documentation, training and operational execution. Serving as a bridge between policy and practice, this position translates regulatory and institutional requirements into consistent operational processes, procedures and staff guidance that promote compliance, consistency and operational effectiveness. The role also strengthens operational capability across the Financial Aid team through mentoring, cross-training and knowledge sharing while advancing operational resiliency and continuous improvement across the department. 

Essential Functions:

Individual Contributor Competencies:

• Advanced knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid regulations and administration. 
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve complex operational and student scenarios. 
• Strong process improvement and operational problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to translate regulatory and business requirements into practical operational procedures. 
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking abilities. 
• Ability to influence others through mentoring, guidance and knowledge sharing. 
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and sound professional judgment. 
• Ability to establish collaborative working relationships across departments and organizational levels. 
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic regulatory and operational environment.

• Demonstrated ability to apply comprehensive knowledge across multiple functional areas of Financial Aid, while understanding the interdependencies between regulations, business processes and departmental operations.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations and institutional policies. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving abilities. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a dynamic operational environment. 
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships across functional areas. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement while handling confidential student information. 

Technical Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of Title IV regulations and financial aid administration. 
• Experience utilizing enterprise student information systems and financial aid management platforms (e.g., Oracle Student Financial Planning, Campus Solutions, or comparable systems). 
• Experience supporting system testing, process validation, and implementation of operational changes. 
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies supporting financial aid administration. 
• Experience developing operational documentation, procedures, and training resources.

• General office and internet skills. Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio

Certificates & Licenses

• None 
   

 Other Physical Requirements

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Work Environment:

NOTE: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires institutions participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to the public, current and prospective students, and current and prospective employees. The Bellevue University Consumer Information webpage, found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/consumer-information, provides readily accessible information to help consumers make informed decisions about post-secondary education. Bellevue University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR), found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/pdfs/annual-safety-report.pdf, provides information about campus crime statistics and institutional security policies and procedures as well as information about student housing fire statistics and fire safety policies. You can obtain a paper copy of these reports from the Bellevue Dean of Students office by calling 402-557-7028. In addition to this, Bellevue University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.