FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST

Number of Openings:           1

Institution:                           Cleveland State Community College

Department:                         Financial Aid

Reports to:                           Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Campus Location:                Cleveland, Tennessee

Salary Range:                        $40,000-$49,280

Position Status:                     Exempt / Full-Time

Moving Allowance:                N/A

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Specialist ensures accurate administration, management, and data collection for federal, state, and institutional programs and other financial aid related requirements in compliance with respective regulations for federal and state funding. The Financial Aid Specialist provides up-to-date subject matter expertise in all aid programs and other requirements to internal and external stakeholders in support of Cleveland State’s enrollment objectives and mission.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in student financial aid or enrollment services within higher education (e.g., admissions, records, advising).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Financial Aid Program Administration (30%)

• Administer and maintain compliance for assigned federal or state financial aid programs, including but not limited to Federal Work-Study (FWS) and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
• Serve as the primary institutional liaison with the state financial aid service center to address and resolve processing issues.
• Manage institutional and Foundation scholarship programs, ensuring accurate award processing and adherence to eligibility criteria.
• Conduct student eligibility reviews, certify and post awards, and monitor ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.
• Perform regular reconciliation and oversight of financial aid funds to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely disbursement.

Financial Aid Processing and Compliance (25%)

• Perform tasks related to satisfactory academic progress (SAP), State Aid appeals, Return of Title IV calculations, Federal Work-Study administration, and scholarship processing.
• Coordinate with the Business Office on matters involving student account refunds, uncashed financial aid checks, and athletic scholarship disbursements.
• Review and verify student-submitted documentation in compliance with federal regulations to ensure the accuracy of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data.
• Exercise professional judgment in evaluating extenuating circumstances and processing dependency override requests in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Gather and review supporting documentation to determine and confirm student financial aid eligibility.
• Serve as a secondary point of contact and subject matter resource for Student Success Advisors and other staff when resolving complex student cases related to income verification, special circumstances, and disbursement eligibility.

Communication and Collaboration (15%)

• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and external partners through various channels, including chat, email, phone, and videoconferencing.
• Provide timely and accurate updates regarding financial aid regulations, policies, and procedural changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with departments across the institution to support student needs and ensure accurate, efficient, and responsive service delivery.

Training, Policy, and Development (15%)

• Participate in ongoing training to stay current on federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and program requirements.
• Maintain and regularly update the financial aid policies and procedures manual to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Review and update financial aid content across the institution’s website, academic catalog, and internal communication platforms to reflect current policies and information.

System Administration and Process Improvement (10%)

• Maintain and support program-related systems, including Dynamic Forms, Banner, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), Financial Aid System of Tennessee (FAST), and other financial aid platforms.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid Compliance and Technical Coordinator and IT to troubleshoot technical issues, streamline operations, and enhance process efficiency through automation and system improvements.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Participate in person and/or virtually at on- and off-campus outreach activities, including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion events, financial aid events, enrollment events, and other student support initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), to prepare reports, manage data, and support daily departmental operations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, to create, analyze, and maintain documentation and reports.
• Apply working knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to ensure compliance with student data privacy and confidentiality standards.
• Collaborate with internal departments, external agencies, and service partners to coordinate activities and enhance service delivery.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Communicate and engage professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analyze and resolve issues using critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound judgment to support departmental and institutional goals.
• Interpret and apply complex federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies to ensure compliance and accuracy in operations.
• Operate Ellucian Banner (or similar enterprise systems) to process data, maintain records, and support student services; experience with Ellucian Banner is preferred.
• Apply prior experience working in a community college or higher education setting to effectively navigate institutional processes and support student success; community college experience is preferred.

WORK ACTIVITIES & EQUIPMENT

• Perform tasks using personal computers and peripheral devices.
• Operate and maintain (if applicable) office equipment such as photocopiers, printers, and scanners to support daily workflow.

JOB LOCATION

This is an on-site position with the primary workplace in the Student Affairs Building located on the main campus at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. Occasional travel to off-campus locations within the College’s five-county service area may be required. Additionally, there may be requirements for travel within the state or across the United States for training and conferences.

 

 

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HAS
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
• Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays/Year
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by March 1, 2026.

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Human Resources Office
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
Email: humanresources@clevelandstatecc.edu

Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

The following link will direct you to a reporting section of the college’s website:  How Do I Report