Packaging Officer

Serving under the Assistant Director, the packaging officer is responsible for processing financial aid in compliance with federal and state regulations, institutional policy and in support of university enrollment goals. They are expected to understand high-level compliance requirements and execute and deliver work with limited oversight. This position assists in meeting department and university goals through the strategic use of available funds, use of professional judgment and by providing quality service in response to student, family, and institutional needs. Works closely with institutional colleagues to ensure consistency in policies, practices, compliance, service to students and in some instances may validate other staff work. They are expected to maintain a thorough working knowledge of and seek to continuously improve the application of technology and regulations in financial aid.

Job Duties:

Aid Processing

• Review and evaluate financial aid applications for accuracy of financial information, tax data, and reported asset information and other requirements as designated by Department of Education.

• Apply corrections to aid packages as needed.

• Maintain and understand expert level of knowledge for applying up-to-date federal and institutional policies for aid awarding.

• Perform federal need analysis and exercise Professional Judgment in accordance with federal regulations and institutional guidelines and policies.

• Resolve complex award issues and determine federal, state, and institutional student aid eligibility and appropriately award such aid, if students meet qualifications.

Specialized Work Team

• Lead collaborative work group in specialized areas such as loans, study away programs, or Blackbaud Award Management scholarship processing.

• Establish and maintain cross-functional team to support various programs by creating processing schedules, determining workload capacity, and managing team efficiencies.

• Develop quality assurance reporting to ensure accuracy in team processing.

• Create and maintain documentation of specialized areas and provide training as needed.

Customer Service

• Provide detailed explanations of aid packages and estimated costs for students and families.

• Inform and advise students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, costs, indebtedness, and financial literacy offerings.

• Individualize information to the student given their needs and program of study.

• Maintain knowledge of applicable federal, state, and university policies and procedures as it relates to student aid and billing.

• Support customer service representatives with escalated customer service matters.

• Provide exceptional customer service in activities such as answering phones, email, counseling families, and walk-in traffic.

• Assist students and families struggling financially to explore resolution options.

• Maintain professional presence and accessibility through active participation and relevant offerings to various community and University associations and departments, committees, workshops, and trainings.

• Represent the Student Financial Services Office at meetings and events as needed.

• Assist Admissions Office in its outreach activities by providing student financial information at open house/recruitment events, info sessions, and offering counseling to students and families.

• Serve as an educational resource for prospective students, returning students, and families.

Third Party Systems

• Understand and use the various federal database tools and systems, such as the National Student Loan Database (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Utilize third party student information systems such as ELM, NextGen, and Blackbaud.

• Operate a comprehensive financial aid computer system and other related financial aid systems.

• Maintain knowledge base of system modifications needed to support updated and/or new federal or state regulations to ensure efficient delivery of financial aid services.

Data Stewardship

• Maintain confidentiality and protect and secure student records, data, and privacy.

• Ensure that proper controls are in place when accessing various technological products and services.

• Counsel and advise students and parents on best practices for ensuring privacy and FERPA compliance.

• Adhere and advise on financial aid data sharing practices and the permissibility of access to financial aid data elements and materials.

Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of experience in a higher education environment.

• Knowledge of Federal and State financial aid regulations.

• Knowledge of higher education student financial billing and financial aid processes.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

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