Financial Aid Processing Specialist

Job Summary/Basic Function:

To perform complex clerical, office administration, and public relations assignments in support of specialized programs; interpret and apply complex regulations and policies to ensure compliance; provide technical program support; resolve issues independently; perform related work.

This is a temporary, benefit-eligible opportunity with an anticipated duration through the middle of August 2026. 

Department Overview:

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Department at Boise State University helps students and their families navigate the process of funding a college education. This office is a central resource for all types of financial assistance, ensuring students understand their options and have the support they need to afford their education. We also foster a respectful, collaborative, and results-driven work environment where all employees are encouraged to develop professionally, support team efforts, and take accountability for their actions.

Level Scope:

Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; may adapt procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization; may work on non-routine tasks; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Financial Aid Processing Specialist must:

• Coordinate administrative activities which require frequent contact with administrators, the public, other agencies and campus officials.  May attend meetings to relay and collect information
• Perform programmatic support duties such as verification, awarding, disbursement and/or return of Title IV funds to ensure compliant administration of federal student aid within the Production team.
• Process and review records to maintain compliance with various student financial aid compliance requirements such as Return of Title IV aid calculations, Multiple Reporting Records for Pell, Unusual Enrollment History, etc.
• Process financial aid for students participating in various special programs, such as Study Abroad or Consortium Agreements.
• Independently research, analyze, and compile information to prepare reports, or resolve problems; compose correspondence for supervisor on own initiative or from general instructions; format/type a variety of executive, sensitive, confidential, official and/or legal letters and documents.
• Exercise discretion and independence in applying policies and procedures
• Responsible for the research, compilation, and organization of materials for administrators’ use in problem resolution.
• Monitor record systems to identify and correct errors in compliance with federal regulations and agency policy.
• Supervise student support staff or have leadwork responsibilities.
• May be responsible for ensuring that assignments given to other staff are completed and timelines are met. May supervisor students and staff.

35% of Time the Financial Aid Processing Specialist must:

• Draft and send effective written communication to a variety of recipients regarding financial aid matters.
• Provide technical guidance and training support to staff and students on federal student aid processes and compliance requirements.
• Create, send and receive Federal Student Aid record files to the Department of Education's Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) or similar systems.
• Independently research, analyze, and compile information related to federal student aid compliance and records management.
• Coordinate workflow for federal compliance activities and assist with quality control reviews.
• Exercise discretion and independence in applying federal financial aid policies and procedures.
• Complete specialized processing projects as assigned to support the successful operation of the Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

5% of Time the Financial Aid Processing Specialist must: 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to compose official correspondence, reports, research papers and other complex documents; providing administrative support to an administrator, director or senior staff member; utilizing manual and automated record management systems.
• Some knowledge of supervisory practices; bookkeeping; financial software; state and local government organization structure, functions, and decision-making processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of: office support functions including word processing; filing; composing a variety of business documents; reception; and researching, compiling, and summarizing data for reports.

Experience: in interpreting, applying and explaining complex information such as regulations, policies or services; independently solving problems/performing liaison activities in a work setting; coordinating activities requiring complex arrangements. Score within the top 25 on exam.

Salary and Benefits: $20.28 per hour. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/