Financial Aid Specialist

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26193

Financial Aid Services evaluates and determines the eligibility of students to receive all forms of financial assistance, including fee waivers and scholarships, loans, grants, and work‑study employment to any student attending MSU Bozeman.

Position Number 4M0188 and 4M0821

Division Division of Student Success

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term Fiscal Year

If other, specify From date

FLSA Non‑Exempt

Union Affiliation FOCUS‑MFPE

FTE 1.0

Salary $22.59 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type Classified Hourly

Recruitment Type Open

The Office of Financial Aid Services ( OFAS ) assists students in financing their education through a variety of federal, state, and institutional aid including grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, work programs, and loans. In administering these programs, our staff works directly with applicants for student aid, their parents or sponsors, and with secondary school personnel. Because the financial aid system impacts, in one way or another, every department at Montana State University, we also work with university faculty & staff, donors, private financial institutions, and state and federal government agencies.

Financial Aid Specialist I are critical in assisting the Office of Financial Aid Services meet its mission by providing direct customer service, processing institutional forms and customer requests, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.

OFAS has an extensive training and development program designed to help new employees be successful and grow in this position.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Directors, this position assists in the administration of student aid programs and activities. The person in will apply federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures to determine aid eligibility and to ensure correct and timely aid processing. In addition, this position acts as the primary customer service contact for phone, email, and front desk interactions with students and families.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, parents, and campus partners to explain financial aid processes, requirements, and policies, ensuring a positive and supportive experience.
• Administer federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including budgeting, awarding, and verifying eligibility, while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Manage and maintain accurate student aid and scholarship records within financial aid systems, ensuring timely updates and precise documentation.
• Review student files and collaborate with university departments to resolve issues, support compliance, and promote student success.
• Stay current with financial aid laws, regulations, and best practices through ongoing training and professional development.

• One to two years of full or part‑time experience that required a high level of customer service and analytical skill and attention to detail or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Post‑secondary education a plus.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing, explaining, and applying rules, policies, and procedures.
• Experience using word processing, spreadsheets, and e‑mail.
• Demonstrated skill organizing and prioritizing large volumes of work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated strong written and customer service skills, and competence communicating information, and procedures in person, by phone, and e‑mail while handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience working with customers, conflict resolution,…