Student Services Analyst- Financial Aid

South Mountain Community College (SMCC) is seeking a Student Services Analyst to join the Financial Aid Department. This position performs professional-level student services work that requires independent evaluation, analysis, and sound judgment to apply regulatory requirements, established procedures, and best practices to resolve complex issues and make informed recommendations.

The Student Services Analyst is responsible for processing federal financial aid, scholarships, and other forms of student funding, as well as developing, analyzing, coordinating, and overseeing key program functions related to these funding sources to ensure accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service to students.

In addition, this position provides leadership and oversight to student workers and plays a key role in coordinating FAFSA-completion activities and related outreach events-supporting students and families through hands-on assistance and community engagement.

Essential Functions

35% - Implements, manages, awards and evaluates scholarship programs (which include college, state, MCCD Foundation, private, 3rd party, athletic and tribal programs) as well as state, college, and federal programs in compliance with all relevant regulations. Provides oversight and supervision of SMCC's scholarship programs by auditing and reconciling all existing and new scholarship accounts to ensure that accounts are being properly administered, and ensures that awarded scholarships fall within established guidelines.

Serves as a liaison to the MCCD Foundation by maintaining an accurate record of scholarships held on campus; works with college Fiscal staff and Foundation staff concerning student awards and scholarship balances. Serves as liaison for the institution in regards to scholarship issues and questions. Serves as a subject matter expert for scholarship programs and administrative responsibilities. Monitors fund balances, disbursements, adjustments and year-end procedures.

25% - Provides oversight of financial aid program administration and performs Title IV reconciliation of federal, state, and scholarship programs. Assists in testing the accuracy of annual program setup in SIS for scholarships, grants and loans, including the following modules: financial aid, auto packaging, communication management, and satisfactory academic progress. Provides program and policy advisement on financial aid processes to students and parents, discusses problems with appropriate administrators or professional staff persons, and seeks solutions within the framework of established policies and guidelines as appropriate.

Counsel students and families about available financial aid, scholarships, and general student eligibility criteria. Serves as a contact for staff regarding student escalations. Assists and supports the training of staff, and temporary employees.

10% - Coordinates and administers the Financial Aid office's FAFSA efforts in adherence with Federal and Institutional regulations, and guidelines as appropriate. Maintains current knowledge of Federal Title IV regulations, state rules, and institutional policies pertaining to financial aid program requirements criteria to evaluate and determine eligibility. Designs develops, maintains, and delivers program resource information, presentations.

10% - Communicates with students effectively via phone calls, chats, emails and texts. Also responsible for assisting students and families in-person. Conducts outreach for various financial aid campaigns throughout the semester to offer students assistance with the financial aid process.

10% - Collaborates with other departments to support student success, recruitment, retention, and degree completion. Assists the Manager and Director with analyzing Financial Aid reports and data. Recommends and assists with process improvements and team efficiencies, and partners with other departments to improve operational effectiveness. Provides leadership on committees, and participation in student and enrollment-related activities as needed. Reconciles and/or monitors student awards and award adjustments.

10% - Other duties as assigned.