Financial Aid Coordinator (34991) [MULTIPLE POSITIONS]
Find your Career at Northern Illinois University!
Classification
Position Number
Position Number 00034991
Open Date
Open Date 10/29/2026
Close Date
Close Date 11/12/2026
Priority Review Date
Employee Class
Employee Class Staff
Full-Time/Part Time
Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time
FTE
FTE 1.00
Position Status
Position Status Regular
FLSA
FLSA Non-Exempt
Job code
Job code 0053
Union Representation
Union Representation Union
Union Code
Union Code AFC - AFSCME C, Local #1890
Unit/Department
College/Unit
Division
Division Enrllmnt Mgmt, Mktg & Comms Dv
Location
Location SP 245
Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Overview
Northern Illinois University is a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world. NIU’s vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Our mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the vantaggi of the region, state, nation and world.
The mission of the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office is to provide exceptional student-centric services, in collaboration with other NIU offices, to ensure the optimal outcomes for students. Through personalized advising and a culture of care, we promote equity, transparency, and student success. Adhering to the highest levels of ethics and compliance, we serve students and their families by taking a holistic approach in assisting them with the complexities of financial aid, fostering financial literacy, and empowering them to make informed decisions about financing their education.
Position Summary
The Financial Aid Coordinator reports to the Senior Associate Director of Compliance and Processing. This position is responsible for a broad array of financial aid processing responsibilities and must have or develop a high degree of knowledge and expertise in federal, state and institutional financial aid regulations as they apply to packaging and disbursement of financial aid and refunds. This position also provides a vital front-line link for the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office and must have the interpersonal skills and mature judgement to be a positive force in the delivery of financial aid education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Review documents submitted for federal verification requirements and make updates to federal application data as appropriate. Ensure that all students are verified in a timely manner.
Adjust student budgets for Title IV and private financial aid. Modify student awards for unapplied aid and overawards. Reduce financial aid awards as appropriate to resolve conflicts and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations.
Evaluate subsequent ISIRs and determine impact of financial aid. Resolve issues in compliance with state, federal and institutional regulations.
Assist with the timely and accurate review and completion of Return of Title IV calculations to ensure federal, state, and university compliance.
Assist with monitoring and compliance with the requirements of Unusual Enrollment History.
Assist with special program packaging and/or manual packaging during peak periods.
Assist with scholarship processing.
Evaluate financial assistance received from outside agencies or internally to ensure students meet requirements and have not exceeded their cost of attendance.
Serve as primary or backup for assigned reports and packaging tasks.
Participate in disbursement weekend activities and ongoing monitoring to ensure accurate awarding and disbursement of internal and external financial aid funds.
Participate in committee work and review, resolve and respond to appeals under the federally designated areas of professional judgment, dependency overrides, inability of parent to borrow a PLUS loan, adjustments to cost of attendance, changes in need analysis data and satisfactory academic progress.
Review students’ academic performance to determine if it meets the federal and state satisfactory academic performance ( SAP ) requirements. Monitor future performance against plan.
Review unusual or mitigating circumstances and difficult personal situations and elevate as appropriate.
Student Service and Financial Aid Education Perform vital front-line, student-centric service to support university recruitment and retention initiatives, and other university goals. Respond to phone and email inquiries.
Educate and advise prospective and current students and family members in-person, via phone and email, and in virtual spaces regarding general university process such as applying for, interpreting, and accepting financial aid offers; making payments; searching for work-study positions; and applying for scholarships.
Educate and advise regarding cost projections and options for paying for college.
Participate in university events such as orientation, admitted student days, preview days, transfer days, FAFSA completion workshops, and others as needed.
Other Duties as Assigned Utilize strong interpersonal communication skills to work in a hectic and sometimes stressful environment in a professional and positive manner.
Participate in ongoing financial aid regulatory training sessions, such as the Federal Student Aid Conference, NASFAA Skills Webinars, ISAC Program Update sessions, and other professional development opportunities.
Assume related duties as assigned by administrative staff.
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: College coursework in any discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
Work experience coordinating office, business, or customer service/relations activities.
One (1) year (12 months) of higher education, student services, or closely related experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) Knowledge of all federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid regulations as they apply to packaging and disbursement of financial aid, disbursement of refunds, and Satisfactory Academic Progress ( SAP ).
Knowledge of the student application process.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office – Outlook, Excel, and Word and other computer programs.
Skill in mathematics, calculations, and general accounting.
Skill in customer service, and oral and written communication.
Skill in time management, organizing work assignments, and responding quickly and effectively to challenges.
Ability to supervise.
Ability to interpret and apply internal and government policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to work in an environment that can be fast-paced and stressful.
Specialty Factors (Civil Service) None
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) Fluency in English and Spanish (verbal and written)
Prior experience in a financial aid office or related experience
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) N/A
Additional Requirements (SPS) N/A
Preferred Qualifications (SPS) N/A
Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date
Anticipated Appointment Start Date 12/1/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Percent of Staff Year
Percent of Staff Year 1.00
Standard Hours Per Week 37.50
Working Hours
Working Hours 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, one-hour lunch
Credentials Assessment Examination The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 2nd floor
(email hidden)
(phone hidden)
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affi
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Classification
Position Number
Position Number 00034991
Open Date
Open Date 10/29/2026
Close Date
Close Date 11/12/2026
Priority Review Date
Employee Class
Employee Class Staff
Full-Time/Part Time
Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time
FTE
FTE 1.00
Position Status
Position Status Regular
FLSA
FLSA Non-Exempt
Job code
Job code 0053
Union Representation
Union Representation Union
Union Code
Union Code AFC - AFSCME C, Local #1890
Unit/Department
College/Unit
Division
Division Enrllmnt Mgmt, Mktg & Comms Dv
Location
Location SP 245
Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Overview
Northern Illinois University is a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world. NIU’s vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Our mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the vantaggi of the region, state, nation and world.
The mission of the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office is to provide exceptional student-centric services, in collaboration with other NIU offices, to ensure the optimal outcomes for students. Through personalized advising and a culture of care, we promote equity, transparency, and student success. Adhering to the highest levels of ethics and compliance, we serve students and their families by taking a holistic approach in assisting them with the complexities of financial aid, fostering financial literacy, and empowering them to make informed decisions about financing their education.
Position Summary
The Financial Aid Coordinator reports to the Senior Associate Director of Compliance and Processing. This position is responsible for a broad array of financial aid processing responsibilities and must have or develop a high degree of knowledge and expertise in federal, state and institutional financial aid regulations as they apply to packaging and disbursement of financial aid and refunds. This position also provides a vital front-line link for the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office and must have the interpersonal skills and mature judgement to be a positive force in the delivery of financial aid education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Review documents submitted for federal verification requirements and make updates to federal application data as appropriate. Ensure that all students are verified in a timely manner.
Adjust student budgets for Title IV and private financial aid. Modify student awards for unapplied aid and overawards. Reduce financial aid awards as appropriate to resolve conflicts and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations.
Evaluate subsequent ISIRs and determine impact of financial aid. Resolve issues in compliance with state, federal and institutional regulations.
Assist with the timely and accurate review and completion of Return of Title IV calculations to ensure federal, state, and university compliance.
Assist with monitoring and compliance with the requirements of Unusual Enrollment History.
Assist with special program packaging and/or manual packaging during peak periods.
Assist with scholarship processing.
Evaluate financial assistance received from outside agencies or internally to ensure students meet requirements and have not exceeded their cost of attendance.
Serve as primary or backup for assigned reports and packaging tasks.
Participate in disbursement weekend activities and ongoing monitoring to ensure accurate awarding and disbursement of internal and external financial aid funds.
Participate in committee work and review, resolve and respond to appeals under the federally designated areas of professional judgment, dependency overrides, inability of parent to borrow a PLUS loan, adjustments to cost of attendance, changes in need analysis data and satisfactory academic progress.
Review students’ academic performance to determine if it meets the federal and state satisfactory academic performance ( SAP ) requirements. Monitor future performance against plan.
Review unusual or mitigating circumstances and difficult personal situations and elevate as appropriate.
Student Service and Financial Aid Education Perform vital front-line, student-centric service to support university recruitment and retention initiatives, and other university goals. Respond to phone and email inquiries.
Educate and advise prospective and current students and family members in-person, via phone and email, and in virtual spaces regarding general university process such as applying for, interpreting, and accepting financial aid offers; making payments; searching for work-study positions; and applying for scholarships.
Educate and advise regarding cost projections and options for paying for college.
Participate in university events such as orientation, admitted student days, preview days, transfer days, FAFSA completion workshops, and others as needed.
Other Duties as Assigned Utilize strong interpersonal communication skills to work in a hectic and sometimes stressful environment in a professional and positive manner.
Participate in ongoing financial aid regulatory training sessions, such as the Federal Student Aid Conference, NASFAA Skills Webinars, ISAC Program Update sessions, and other professional development opportunities.
Assume related duties as assigned by administrative staff.
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: College coursework in any discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
Work experience coordinating office, business, or customer service/relations activities.
One (1) year (12 months) of higher education, student services, or closely related experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) Knowledge of all federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid regulations as they apply to packaging and disbursement of financial aid, disbursement of refunds, and Satisfactory Academic Progress ( SAP ).
Knowledge of the student application process.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office – Outlook, Excel, and Word and other computer programs.
Skill in mathematics, calculations, and general accounting.
Skill in customer service, and oral and written communication.
Skill in time management, organizing work assignments, and responding quickly and effectively to challenges.
Ability to supervise.
Ability to interpret and apply internal and government policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to work in an environment that can be fast-paced and stressful.
Specialty Factors (Civil Service) None
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) Fluency in English and Spanish (verbal and written)
Prior experience in a financial aid office or related experience
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) N/A
Additional Requirements (SPS) N/A
Preferred Qualifications (SPS) N/A
Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date
Anticipated Appointment Start Date 12/1/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Percent of Staff Year
Percent of Staff Year 1.00
Standard Hours Per Week 37.50
Working Hours
Working Hours 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, one-hour lunch
Credentials Assessment Examination The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 2nd floor
(email hidden)
(phone hidden)
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affi
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