Financial Aid Analyst

Howard Community College ( HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020.

Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

The Financial Aid Analyst is a key Financial Aid Services Scholarships and Grants team member. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid laws and regulations and their relationship to institutional compliance. This position will manage the Maryland State Financial Aid Program, which includes awarding, certification, roster preparation and submission, and reconciliation, and provide support for institutional aid processing. Performs testing of Colleague software patches as a key member of the testing team for all upgrades and new functionality and reports impacting Maryland State Financial Aid processing. Helps administer other unit technology functions such as digital imaging. Works closely with the systems team to develop, test, and implement technological process improvements and solutions for various office functions. Performs file review and verification of completed files, identifies additional information needed to resolve conflicting information, and awards students as needed. This position is a critical member of the financial aid office's ability to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and institutional policy on an individual student-by-student file basis. This position is also responsible for assisting the customer service team with responding to students regarding the areas this position oversees.

Manages the Maryland State Financial Aid Program including awarding, certifying, roster preparation and submission, and reconciliation to ensure we are compliant with all Maryland State laws regarding Financial Aid. Manages awarding of other outside scholarship and grant programs, including, but not limited to, DCTAG.

Assists with preparing Maryland State audit documentation and responding to follow-up questions from auditors regarding specific cases.

Performs testing of Colleague software patches as a key member of the testing team for all types of upgrades, new functionality and reports that impact Maryland State Financial Aid processing.

Supports the systems team to develop, test, and implement technological process improvements and solutions for a wide range of office functions.

Maintains current and complete knowledge of federal, state, and institutional Title IV financial aid regulations and policies.

Must be able to advise and assist prospective and currently enrolled students and their families on the application process and eligibility for financial aid.

Must be able to determine student eligibility to receive financial aid funds in accordance with federal, state and institutional regulations. Packages eligible students according to the policies and procedures stated above when appropriate.

Reviews, corrects and certifies all file information for disbursement or awards and ensures that all information entered into Colleague is accurate and complete. Provides training to other staff members such as Front Counter staff and counselors about Maryland State Financial Aid programs.

Identifies and determines special circumstances in order to utilize Professional Judgment in accordance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.

Guides and directs front counter personnel by answering questions and reviewing student accounts with them.

Works with other campus units, such as, but not limited to, Records and Registration, Admissions and Advising, Finance, and Continuing Education to resolve student issues.

Works with MHEC Office of Student Financial Aid staff to resolve student issues and clarify state regulations, regularly attends MHEC trainings and meetings.

Works with Senior Financial Aid Analyst to review and award institutional scholarships. Serves as a backup to the Senior Financial Aid Analyst and Associate Director in functions such as completing scholarship database updates, awarding institutional scholarships, and responding to inquiries from faculty, staff, and students.

Performs other duties as assigned.

The U.S. Department of Education Financial Aid Handbook, federal regulations as published online and in Dear Colleague Letters, state laws and MHEC policies and procedures; college publications; policy and procedure manuals; numerous guides, manuals, and directories (such as directory of Higher Education and US DOE Student Guide to Financial Aid) related to financial resources and regulations; online resources, such as the NASFAA and FSA websites; journals and other publications such as the Chronicle of Higher Education; academic records of all kinds.

Periodic supervision of work study students and other part-time staff for special projects.

Financial Aid Services is a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and sometimes high stress environment, which requires concurrent management of numerous tasks. Evening hours and occasional weekends required. This position requires periodic local and occasional distant travel. Additional hours and flexibility is an absolute necessity, particularly in peak periods.

Howard Community College offers competitive salaries, excellent medical and dental selections, tuition reimbursement and paid leave programs. As a participating member of the Maryland Retirement and Pension System, HCC offers two retirement options: The Pension, which requires a 7% employee contribution and The ORP, a 403(b) with a 7.25% employer contribution only. Employees in positions that do not require a bachelor's degree must participate in The Pension. Employees that possess a bachelor's degree and hold professional positions that require a bachelor's degree may choose to participate in either The Pension or The ORP.

*Pre-employment criminal background investigation is a condition of employment.

HCC is interested in all qualified applicants who are eligible to work in the United States. However, HCC will generally not sponsor applicants for work visas. Due to HCC policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland are eligible for work at HCC and include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania. Candidates must live in the commutable area or willing to relocate at their own expense if offered the position because HCC does not offer relocation benefits.

Please complete the entire HCC Employment Application (Candidates will be evaluated on completing the college's application in full).

Howard Community College ( HCC) is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer & values diversity within its faculty, staff & student population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
HCC understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 443-518-1100.