State Aid Technical Specialist

This position supports activities related to the effective and efficient delivery of State of Michigan student financial aid resources and services, including quality assurance, troubleshooting, and error resolution. Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of State Aid and Compliance, this individual will complete all the steps necessary to ensure that federal, state, and institutional financial aid is awarded, originated, and disbursed in a timely manner, and in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies and procedures. This position is responsible for, but not limited to, managing all aspects of the nine State of Michigan Student Aid programs offered at Grand Rapids Community College by implementing the process for regular program roster download and review, awarding of program funds, and reviewing awards for accuracy. This role will also assist with the reconciliation of awards for the State of Michigan’s quarterly payment by processing the reimbursement and certification process. Additionally, this position is responsible to track, resolve, and provide follow-up for State financial aid-related questions and concerns. Finally, this role also supports financial aid student service functions including face-to-face meetings, orientations, financial aid presentations and workshops, phone calls, email, and text campaigns. Based on needs within the office, various team members take the lead on certain programs, while all team members will have the ability to assist and back up the lead person.

Position Number: 00002157
Requisition Number: 1148
Employee Group:Professional, Management, and Administration (PMA)
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation: $52,025
Benefits:Full Time
Reports to: Executive Director of Financial Aid
Posting Opens: 7/8/2026
Posting Closes:7/21/2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage financial aid processes related to State Aid programs, specifically determining student eligibility per program, State financial aid awarding, satisfactory academic progress evaluation, and updating students within MI-SSG, the State’s Student Aid portal.
• Responsible for the processing of re-packaging aid post return of Title IV funds (R2T4) for credit hour programs, including post-withdrawal disbursements.
• Implement the process for regular download of program rosters from the State of Michigan on a weekly basis (or more frequently as needed). Ensure that student records are updated appropriately.
• Ensure the use of the GRCC data system to appropriately identify and track students based on their eligibility for the aid programs.
• Assist with packaging and reviewing State of Michigan’s Futures for Frontliners program, Michigan Reconnect program, Michigan Reconnect Expansion program, Community College Guarantee Scholarship, Tuition Incentive Program, Fostering Futures Scholarship, Children of Veteran’s Tuition Grant Scholarship, Michigan Competitive Scholarship, and Gear UP Michigan Scholarship financial aid programs.
• Monitor and resolve MISSG’s Clear Ineligible Reasons identified per student by the State of Michigan, work with students to resolve any of these ineligibility reasons, and track for any changes that may occur as a result of new student selection.
• Work in cooperation with the Student Financial Services Office to facilitate the refund disbursement process, ensuring that all State aid eligibility criteria are met at the time of disbursement.
• Work in cooperation with the Student Financial Services Office to facilitate the Enrollment Cancellation process, ensuring that all State aid eligibility criteria are met and students are appropriately awarded at the time of cancellation if eligible.
• Monitor student accounts related to repeated and developmental education coursework, and adjust student awards as needed.
• Maintain systems and explore ways to improve systems so as to ensure accuracy in awarding.
• Provide accurate interpretation of financial aid regulations, policy recommendations, and procedure documentation for the Financial Aid Office. This includes reviewing all updated guidance from the State and Federal governments (including but not limited to email communication, manuals, webinars and other resources) and making appropriate updates to GRCC documentation and processes.
• In cooperation with the Assistant Director of State Aid and Compliance, prepare approval and submission to ensure the timely and accurate submission of payment rosters to the State of Michigan and updating payment information for students on the State’s Mi-SSG system.
• In cooperation with Student Records, complete requests for educational records submitted by students and appropriate agencies. Review documentation with accuracy to determine student eligibility per program.
• Directly assist with any audits of financial aid programs, including the annual Single Audit and any State or Federal program reviews.
• Assist with quarterly reconciliation of State student aid disbursements and year end close out functions, such as evaluation of Minimum Earned Credits and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• In cooperation with the Assistant Director of State Aid and Compliance, review and make a determination upon student Leave of Absence appeals and documentation for continued program eligibility in a sensitive manner.
• Use Federal and State systems to process financial aid, including NSLDS, COD, FAFSA Partner Portal, Mi-SSG, and other systems.
• Participate in the testing and implementation of new and modified financial aid functionality in the PeopleSoft Campus Wide Information System, in particular as it relates to Reconnect and Reconnect Expansion roster download process and eligibility review, and verification review with great attention to detail.
• As appropriate, serve as a liaison between GRCC and the State of Michigan.
• Attend professional development conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars to stay abreast of current regulations, trends, and best practices in student financial aid. Participate in prospective, new, returning and departing student outreach initiatives, including orientation, financial literacy programming, financial aid presentations and workshops.
• Provide regular reports to GRCC leadership, including the weekly dashboards and ad hoc reports.
• Assist as appropriate with the awarding of GRCC Foundation scholarships and with monitoring third party resources process by Student Financial Services to ensure that aid is adjusted in compliance with appropriate regulations and guidelines.
• Actively support and participate in the Student Service Excellence Model.
• Serve on various committees as appropriate for the work being performed.
• Attend professional development conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars to stay abreast of current regulations, trends, and best practices in student financial aid.
• Participate in prospective, new, returning and departing student outreach initiatives, including orientation, financial literacy programming, financial aid presentations and workshops.
• Provide financial aid information and assistance to students in person, phone, text, chat, and email.
• Assist the Executive Director of Financial Aid, Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, and Functional Analysts with special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Credentials

• Bachelor’s Degree required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of financial aid experience is required, in a higher education setting preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience utilizing financial aid related web systems (such as SAIG, COD, NSLDS,FAFSA Partner Portal, Mi-SSG, etc.) preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of customer service experience is required, in a higher education setting preferred.

Skills

• A strong understanding of accounting principles, analytical skills, and statistical knowledge strongly preferred.
• A high level of attention to detail and working with complex processes.
• Demonstrated technology skills, including proficiency with MS Office products and financial aid web systems including the Common Origination and Disbursement website (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and FAFSA Partner Portal.
• Working knowledge of data systems related to higher education.
• Must demonstrate high levels of customer service and interpersonal skills, as well as strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a high level of accuracy.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Long periods at a computer.

Mental Demands

• Ability to plan and work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to follow detailed processes.
• Must be punctual with a good attendance record.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, which includes evenings and weekends as needed.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Office is shared by multiple GRCC staff members, primarily Financial Aid employees.

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  BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options including a state retirement plan.

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  NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please complete an application: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/careers. Submit a cover letter and resume.
• The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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  NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

  Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.