Job Description / Duties

Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) is looking for a strategic, adaptable and collaborative team player to act as a key resource to the NAIT community in the area of student awards and financial aid. SAFA is responsible for the administration and management of government student funding and student awards for NAIT. SAFA ensures compliance to funding authority regulations and policy, as well as established donor award criteria. As a strategic partner in program and student success, SAFA works closely with the NAIT community, students and Government of Alberta.

Reporting to the Student Awards & Financial Aid Coordinator, the SAFA Specialist is responsible for the organization, administration and operation of the Student Awards and Financial Aid portfolio, valued at $70 million. Key responsibilities include ensuring awards, scholarships, and bursaries are awarded based on established criteria in alignment with the Student Awards & Financial Aid portfolio's strategic and operational objectives and ensures that government student aid is administered within the bounds of policy, regulation and legislation. The incumbent is responsible for the planning & implementation of new processes for the effective administration of student awards and financial aid. The SAFA Specialist must be adaptable and comfortable with change and, within the scope of their role, bring forward suggestions for improvements to business processes and contribute solutions that will satisfy multiple stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Exercise considerable judgment in the interpretation of award criteria, legislation, regulation in developing and adapting portfolio processes and procedures to meet portfolio objectives including (but not limited to) assessing, shortlisting and selecting scholarships, bursaries, awards, prizes, grants, emergency funding and payment plans according to terms outlined in NAIT policy/procedure, donor gift agreements or government grant agreements;

Exercise considerable judgment in the interpretation of student aid policy, legislation, regulation in developing and adapting portfolio processes and procedures to meet portfolio objectives including (but not limited to) federal/provincial/territorial confirmation of registration processes, administration of the foundational learning grant, payment plans and other government or third-party funding agencies;

Provide individualized and context appropriate information and guidance to current students with respect to student awards and financial aid;

Determine most appropriate way to meet portfolio objectives around compliant administration and reporting of student aid including, but not limited to, federal/provincial/territorial confirmation of registration processes, administration of the foundational learning grant, payment plans, other government or third-party funding agencies as described in pertinent policy, regulation or legislation within established timelines;

Maintain knowledge and currency of policy, regulation, legislation and best practice in student aid administration and best practice in student award administration with a view to accuracy and to identify gaps and propose solutions.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Skills & Abilities:

Detailed knowledge of Student Aid and Foundational Learning programs and policy, Student Awards process as well as NAIT programs and services;

Ability to effectively manage complexity to identify pertinent policy, causal factors, related impacts, risks and a range of effective solutions;

Advanced communication and interpersonal skills are required to interact with a variety of clients/stakeholders, in formal and informal situations;

Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills utilized when reviewing processes, identifying gaps, and making recommendations;

Nimble learning to apply learnings to new and diverse situations, seek new approaches and learn quickly when faced with new situations;

Capacity to organize and prioritize projects and activities, and adapt to ongoing changes and deadlines;
Ability to work as a team member, building collaborative working relationships;

Skills in PeopleSoft Student Administration and Microsoft Office Suite applications are essential.


Qualifications:

Related Bachelor’s degree;

Minimum 1 year experience in post-secondary required;

Previous experience in the administration of student awards and/or financial aid is an asset;

Equivalencies may be considered.

Additional Information

It is recommended that applicants who have obtained educational credentials from outside of Canada and have not had them previously assessed, obtain an evaluation of their credentials from World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) - http://work.alberta.ca/immigration/international-qualifications-assessment-service.html



PLEASE NOTE: Alberta’s post-secondary institutions are working together and taking a coordinated approach to ensure safety on our campuses for students, staff, contractors and visitors this fall, and beyond. The safety of our large, diverse communities has been our top consideration when making both short-term and long-term plans throughout the pandemic. NAIT has joined other post-secondary institutions in the province to introduce a vaccine mandate and require proof of vaccination. We are introducing the following enhancements to our campus safety measures:

Everyone coming to NAIT campuses, including students, staff, contractors and visitors, will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Everyone coming to NAIT campuses will be required to provide proof of vaccination.
Rapid testing will not be accepted as an alternative to vaccination, except for campus community members who cannot be vaccinated based on medical or other protected grounds outlined in the Alberta Human Rights Act.
You can find the latest information on NAIT’s response to COVID-19 at nait.ca/covid19

Salary: Remuneration: $2,063.58 – $2,714.07 biweekly with a comprehensive benefit plan.

Contact Information

Sirina Hamilton
Manager, Student Awards & Financial Aid
sirinah@nait.ca

Employer Profile

NAIT, a leading polytechnic serving more than 40,000 students, has been a major contributor to industry and the economy within Alberta for the past 59 years. Having built its first campus in 1962, NAIT has continued to grow and expand to meet industry and student demand. NAIT’s vision is to have a strong impact in Alberta by supporting meaningful careers, vibrant communities, globally competitive industries through transformative polytechnic education.

Operating as one of the two largest polytechnics in the province of Alberta, NAIT holds a key place in Alberta’s post-secondary landscape.

NAIT is proud to be named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 10 consecutive years. We are also a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. Learn more about NAIT’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion at nait.ca/edi.