How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a team member to support the daily functions within the Unit for Special Programs. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Special Programs, the Financial Aid Officer Associate serves as the first point of contact for Federal Work-Study programs for students, parents, and campus partners, in addition to supporting unit functions in monitoring and administering financial aid for student athletes. The successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as demonstrate effective task management.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan is a premier public research university with more than 52,850 students including 34,454 undergraduates, with a strong commitment to academic excellence, diversity, equity, inclusion and affordability. U-M is in high demand with a record 105,142 undergraduate first-year and transfer applicants for fall 2024 and 8,850 incoming undergraduate students enrolling.

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) manages U-M's enrollment function to efficiently optimize students' experiences throughout their engagement, from prospect to alumni. The division collaborates with campus partners, faculty, and staff, in support of the university's mission and commitment to academic quality, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

OEM comprises a dedicated team of more than 200 full-time staff members, and up to 400 additional student and temporary staff and is structured in five operational units - the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of New Student Programs, the Office of the Registrar, and OEM Administration. OEM strives to provide excellence in access and support to diverse and inspiring learners who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Responsibilities*

Manage the Student Employment Office email and phone line, interacting with students, parents, and campus partners, serving as the first point of contact for Federal Work-Study programs.
Provide information regarding temporary employment opportunities to students, parents, and potential employers and with general problem solving by providing phone, email, and virtual meeting assistance when needed.
Review, record, and file Federal Work-Study documentation in coordination with off-campus partners to ensure timely reimbursement.
Process reports related to Federal Work-Study awarding and usage and resolve financial aid packaging and HR record issues within the student aid and student employment administration systems.
Provide website navigation assistance on the Student Employment Website and troubleshooting services to students and other website users; update basic information on website including user accounts and job postings.
Run weekly reports and queries and conduct the proper follow-up as it pertains to compliance and the awarding of financial aid to student athletes.
Complete miscellaneous duties as assigned within the Special Programs Unit as well as serve as a resource for staff in the Office of Financial Aid regarding Work-Study related issues.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Considerable customer service experience and experience with appropriately handling confidential and sensitive information
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. Experience with constituents and work environments of a diverse background
Proficiency in common office software, particularly Excel and Google Workspace
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
The ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently, with minimal supervision
A high level of organization skills; a meticulous attention to detail; and the ability to consistently produce highly accurate work
The ability to use analysis and critical thinking skills to solve problems
The ability to learn and interpret University policies

Desired Qualifications*

Experience with the PeopleSoft (M-Pathways) student information system
Higher proficiency in Excel and/or Adobe Acrobat
Experience or familiarity with university business processes such as payroll, human resources, and financial aid
An understanding of University of Michigan policies and procedures
Knowledge of FERPA and other regulations related to higher education

Modes of Work

The Office of Enrollment Management requires a hybrid work arrangement of minimally three days on-site and two remote days. Thursdays are required as an on-site work day for all members of the OEM team. 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.

Additional Information

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.