Description
State Title: Professional Services Specialist 4(A)
Bargaining Unit: CWA
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12 month, 35 hours weekly
External salary: $58,222.22 - $66,184.52 step 1 to 4
Internal salary: $58,222.22 - $84,763.22
UNION POSITIONS: The internal salary range is used for applicants who are current NJ state employees with underlying classified status for promotional calculations who meet the requirements below. The external salary range is used for candidates who are not NJ state employees who meet the requirements below.
About TCNJ
Founded in 1855, TCNJ offers a highly personalized and collaborative liberal arts education with over 7,400 undergraduates and 700 graduate students. The college is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive colleges in the nation, offering small classes, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and an immersive living-learning experience. With a 4-year graduation rate ranked #1 in New Jersey and #9 among U.S. public institutions, TCNJ is a model for public higher education.
Position Overview: The position provides support to the Assistant Director - Scholarship Coordinator in the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The individual will be primarily responsible for managing foundation scholarships awarded to financial aid recipients, the posting of private outside scholarships in the College's financial aid management system and serve as a contact/liaison between the financial aid office the Foundation office, faculty and staff.
The office is currently experiencing substantial automation and streamlining of the scholarship processes and procedures. Due to these changes, this position is undergoing and will continue to undergo changes in the responsibility for tasks. The work is evolving due to constant changes to the Federal and State financial aid processes. These changes require that all areas of Financial Aid Operations achieve the highest level of accuracy. In addition, substantial institutional liability is a consequence of any level of error occurring in the aid process. Lastly, this position has direct and indirect contact with students, families, departments across the TCNJ campus and external agencies on an as-needed basis. It is expected that this role will be leading interactions and serve as the first point of contact regarding the awarding of foundation scholarships with leaders on campus such as Deans, Directors, etc., as well as students/families.
Essential Job Functions:
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Provide information, reports and statistical summaries related to internal and external scholarships including the reconciliation of accounts.
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Ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly and effectively. Work with both internal (faculty/staff) and external (students, families) individuals to answer questions regarding a student’s financial aid and scholarships via phone, email or in-person.
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Handle special applicant or administrative problems by investigating the situation and taking appropriate corrective action.
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Manage the awarding of all TCNJ Foundation Scholarships. Provide data to the AwardSpring scholarship database as it relates to the financial aid office while ensuring accuracy.
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With the support of the management team, maintain knowledge and understanding of Financial Aid policies, processes and procedures and provide guidance to the Foundation staff on acceptable scholarship practices as it comes to awarding financial aid.
Responsibilities:
Update student Financial Aid Awards for internal and external scholarships in the PAWS system making adjustments relative to over awards, enrollment, and non-attendance.
Maintain working knowledge of all Financial Aid systems, including but not limited to, PAWS, NJFAMS, Award Spring and Microsoft Office Suite products.
Serve as a primary office contact, responding to phone, email, and in-person inquiries from students and families; resolve concerns, provide information, and support office operations while performing other duties as assigned.
Required:
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Knowledge and experience in financial aid processes, regulations and awarding, specifically when it comes to scholarships
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Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage a large/heavy workload.
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Ability to work independently as well as with other staff members as part of a team.
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Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity in a multicultural work environment. Ability to communicate effectively with all students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
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Exposure to processing student records supported by computerized systems.
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Bachelor's degree required. Individuals who do not possess a bachelor's degree may substitute experience on a year-for-year basis.
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3-5 years of experience working in a higher education setting, preferably in a financial aid, student accounts or one stop shop office.
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Experience communicating with senior institutional leaders and external stakeholders.
Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.
Employer Qualifications
Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).
Residency Requirement: In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees in certain positions (faculty exempt) are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment. Applicants must meet the requirements listed.
Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact
[email protected].
Employee Benefits
As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public college career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:
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Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
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Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
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Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
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Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Employee affinity groups
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New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
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Access to extensive learning opportunities
To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!
SAME Applicants
If you are applying under the New Jersey "SAME" program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references by the closing date listed above to:
[email protected]. For more information on the SAME program visit their website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email:
[email protected], or call CSC at: 833-691-0404.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered until a viable finalist has been found.
The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.
Work Locations: Green Hall - Student Financial Assistance 2000 Pennington Rd Ewing Township 08628
