Job Description / Duties

The Aid Coordinator is responsible for the delivery of all government aid programs and services offered at TRU including direct loans and grants and targeted grants, as well as related institutional loan and deferment programs. The coordinator will ensure appropriate service and standards through the supervision of staff, and related departmental web and direct communications. The Aid Coordinator will act as the institutional expert & lead on the interpretation and application of student loan & grant policies, procedures and processes, including providing expertise and advice to awards staff, program heads, departments and students on detailed government policies and procedures. The coordinator will work with Finance and other internal stakeholders on timely joint communication strategies on student financing and finances, including institutional fee deferrals. In conjunction with the Director, the Coordinator will act on behalf of TRU with Provincial Loan Authorities regarding contractual delivery of targeted programs, program obligations and reporting, program audits, and institutional positions on proposed government policy changes.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate the setup and delivery of government aid programs at TRU, including program designation, application of student eligibility, and delivery, disbursement and reporting via the Banner Financial Aid module and related communication systems.
Coordinate and oversee the daily electronic exchange of confidential student loan and registration records between government agencies and the university by ensuring correct system configurations, accurate data, and liaising with government and appropriate IT staff/consultants to diagnose and resolve problems and recommend improvements and enhancements.
Oversee access to and the appropriate use of approximately 10 government portals for the data exchange of loan and grant applications, disbursements, and reporting.
Oversee institutional loan programs and deferred payment programs.
Plan and oversee all automated student communications related to their funding and disbursements, changes in eligibility, and threats and opportunities regarding future funding.
Train staff in the Student Awards Office on student support policies and processes.
Supervise, schedule, and assign work to the Awards Advisors.
Respond to concerns and initial appeals of actions taken by the department in relation to government aid programs and/or institutional loan programs
Gather and analyze statistical information for financial support programs as part of annual reporting and as needed for management information and planning.
Explores ways to improve and expand the overall provision of loans, grants and related supports to TRU students in order to remove financial barriers, including various electronic mass and targeted communication strategies, working in conjunctions with MarCom, Enrolment Services, and other stakeholders.
May periodically perform the duties of Student Awards Advisors when required.

REPORTS TO
Director, Student Awards & Financial Aid

Qualifications / Required Skills

EDUCATION:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

EXPERIENCE:
Five (5) years’ experience in progressively responsible administrative positions including:
Three (3) years’ experience working with an Enterprise ERP system (Banner or similar)
Experience in needs-based funding assessments
Experience in a policy intensive environment

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB
Demonstrated strength in time management, analytical reasoning, and problem solving
Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures surrounding the administration of government student loans and grants
Ability to build multi-part assessments with multilevel Boolean operators (if/and/or/then)
Demonstrated ability to build Excel formulas and use other Microsoft Office applications
Demonstrated strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to work independently or as a team, while managing multiple demands with varying deadlines
Ability to effectively respond to distraught and/or emotional students
Ability to exercise tact, judgement, diplomacy and discretion with students, parents, colleagues, and external stakeholders

Additional Information

https://tru.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/24858

Salary: $65,065

Contact Information

Gordon Down
Director, Student Awards & Financial Aid
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC
tru.ca/awards

Employer Profile

https://www.tru.ca/careers.html
Move to BC's sunny and warm interior, where we enjoy four distinct seasons, but winter is short. Whether you love mountain biking, hiking, fishing, or skiing downhill or cross country, Kamloops as you covered year-round!
As a moderately sized growing university, TRU is one of the largest employers in the region. Our main campus is located in the heart of the vibrant and growing city of Kamloops. Known for being a welcoming community, our breathtaking campus overlooks two river valleys and is an ideal place for scenic walks and connecting with colleagues.