Job Description / Duties

Under the limited supervision of the Manager, Financial Aid & Awards, the Financial Awards Analyst is responsible for assessing educational funding to prospective and enrolled students. The Analyst serves as an advocate in assisting students in obtaining the financial support needed to achieve their educational and career goals. This includes administering and managing loan applications and other student funding options such as bursaries and awards.

1. Assess eligibility for institutional and government funding, determine award amounts, authorize release of funds and maintain accounts/records in keeping with institutional, provincial and federal policies and procedures
2. Provides advice to students concerning specific educational, personal and financial problems, advises and assists where possible, and refers to internal or community support services as required
3. Authorize release of government student loans, monitor academic progress and report withdrawals in compliance with government policy
4. Responsible for the administration of a variety of financial aid support services and programs, including government student loans and grants, Adult Upgrading Grant, Part-time Student Assistance Programs, Emergency Bursary/Loan Program, institutional and donor scholarships, bursaries and awards
5. Review, investigate and audit transactions in accordance with Okanagan College’s policies and procedures, provide recommendations, resolve any discrepancies and complete any adjustments to ensure completeness and accuracy
6. Analyze student loan awards, assist students to reassess awards and launch an appeal when appropriate
7. Responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Institutional Appendix
8. Provide students with institutional and government educational funding information
9. Maintain detailed records of student interviews and institutional/government/donor funding released to students
10. Liaise with student loan service providers, collection agencies and Ministry staff to support students in order to troubleshoot problems with student loan files
11. Liaise with other OC departments and staff including Student Services, OC Foundation, Office of the Registrar (Admissions & Registration), Department Chairs, Faculty Advisors, Associate Deans, Learning Centres, International Education and Student Recruitment
12. Develop and maintain financial awards information for presentation on the website and promotion of awards
13. Participate in OC student recruitment initiatives and financial awards workshops on and off campus as required
14. Make recommendations with regard to policies and procedures to the Financial Awards Officer
15. Discuss student loan repayment options, debt management tools and government resources to avoid student loan default
16. Assist in completion of online and paper application forms
17. Represent Okanagan College, as required, on a variety of external committees, including the Ministry of Advanced Education Appeals and Technical Committees and represent the department on internal committees
18. Liaise with external agencies to provide information about OC programs, services and support for prospective students
19. Assist with coordination and execution of awards events (reception / commencement) at the Kelowna Campus
20. Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications / Required Skills

Graduation from a two-year university program or equivalent required. A minimum of two years related experience required.

- Ability to work effectively with minimum supervision while supporting a team approach to the overall process
- Ability to work in an environment under pressure with strict deadlines that has complex and sensitive situations
- Strong organizational, problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to interpret and operationalize complex policies and processes
- Advanced computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office
- Public presentation skills

Additional Information

This position will be on the Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon or Salmon Arm campus with a hybrid work option after the first 3 – 6 months. A valid driver’s license is required as travel within the College region is expected.

Salary: $61,753 - $70,561

Contact Information

Interested applicants please apply online through Okanagan College's website: https://www.employmentopportunities.okanagan.bc.ca/

Employer Profile

Okanagan College transforms lives and communities. We are one of Canada's leading colleges. We create outstanding educational experiences for our learners, both students and employees. We work and learn in a welcoming and caring culture. We are a catalyst for change through collaboration with our learners and partners. We serve, lead and anticipate the social, economic and environmental needs of communities.