Financial Aid Specialist

Unity Environmental University is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist to assist in administering financial aid policies and support students in managing their financial needs. The role involves using financial aid management systems and ensuring compliance with relevant policies. The position supports various Sustainable Education Business Units and requires direct interaction with students. This role is based in New Gloucester, ME, indicating it is not a remote job.
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, 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
Financial Aid through the administration and dissemination of
Financial Aid policies and procedures for Unity Environmental
University students. This is a generalist position that will
support all growing Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs).
This position is responsible for working directly with Unity
Environmental students to support them in managing their 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 the Student Information System.

Day to day responsibilities:
• Monitor program compliance with federal, state, and
institutional policies through the use of system and quality
controls.
• Conduct student aid reviews including needs analysis,
budgeting, billing, packaging, verification, loan processing,
certification, and tracking.
• Counsel students individually or in groups on financial aid and
student account matters such as application procedures, borrowing,
employment, outside aid, other funding, payment plans and
alternative funding.
• Assist in adjusting financial aid awards.
• Answer in-coming phone calls and emails received in the general
financial aid email box.
• Support with the communication to students and/or parents
regarding the student billing process and payment options.
• Provide support and clarification to the decentralized
Recruitment and Student Success teams on relaying Financial Aid
updates to admitted and current students.
• Coordinate the mailing of lender notifications-entrance and
exit counseling, bills, and award letters.
• Assist in the creation, revision, and updating of publications,
standardized letters, manuals, and forms used in student aid
• Review and maintain student files
• Support with the soft collect outreach to students to assist
with completing paperwork and payment options.
• Coordinate the integration of student financial aid processes
for all SEBUs.
• 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.
• Assist in supervision of work study students. Carries out
supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the institutions
policies and applicable laws.
• Support the billing holds process
• Pro-actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures
with leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?
• Bachelors degree and a minimum of 1 - 2 years job related
experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education
and experience.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and
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 general
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.
• Extensive knowledge of computerized data base 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 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,
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, 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