Financial Aid Assistant

ABOUT GNOMON:

For over twenty-five years, Gnomon has educated many of the world’s best digital artists. Called “the MIT of visual effects” by Fast Company magazine, Gnomon offers a variety of educational options to help students reach their goals in the entertainment industry, with both degree and certificate programs, specialized courses for high school students and over 100 individual courses for professional enrichment. For more information about us, please visit www.gnomon.edu.

GNOMON BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life) & additional Voluntary Benefits (Life, Accident, Hospital)
• Pet Savings Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401k with 4% company match and a dedicated Financial Advisor
• Generous PTO policy, plus holidays
• Healthy Work-Life Balance
• Flexible Work Hours
• Professional Development Opportunities

JOB DESCRIPTION:

POSITION: FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANT

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID   

Pay: $22-$26/hour depending on experience

The Financial Aid Assistant is responsible for supporting the Director of Financial Aid in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Financial Aid Office. This position primarily provides general administrative support to the Office while also providing support to prospective students by answering general questions and assisting with the application process. Areas of core competencies include, but are not limited to; knowledge of financial aid and loans, federal and state laws and regulations, administration, critical thinking, and a high degree of sensitivity to the needs of those contacting the Office. Required soft-skills include, but are not limited to; knowledge application, organizational skills, self-motivated, adaptable, efficient time management, and strong interpersonal communication skills. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

FLSA Exemption: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Schedule: Full-Time

Direct Reports: No

Essential Functions, but not limited to the following:

• Provide guidance to students, parents and the public regarding available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
• Provide application information for grants and other financial aid programs.
• Assess students’ financial aid applications, make recommendations and process submitted applications
• Compile, analyze and monitor financial aid packages for students
• Review and verify students’ financial documents
• Resolve student problems with financial aid issues
• Maintain student financial aid files, applications and documentation and upload all student documentation to the server and Radix (Gnomon is a paper-free environment).
• Maintain organization of financial aid documents on the Financial Aid server.
• Regularly conduct internal audits of files for compliance and request missing documentation from students via phone, e-mail, mail, or in person.  
• Create a Mastersheet for new students and update Mastersheets for continuing students with any changes to enrollment, tuition increases, etc.
• Enter new students into Transfer Monitoring in NSLDS.
• Coordinate and assist in the answering of e-mails or phone calls
• Assist in Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) administrative process in compliance for all students.
• Assist with internal/external audit preparation, as needed
• Participate in weekly meetings with Admissions in discussing all incoming students.
• Participate in Gnomon events (i.e. open house, quarterly new student orientations), as needed.
• Maintain job knowledge by attending workshops and/or participating in professional development.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality, ethics and integrity.  
• Conduct all activities in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
• Adhere to all state, and federal accreditation and school rules and regulations regarding student recruitment.  
• Additional related duties may be assigned, as needed by the supervisor or department
• Uphold Gnomon’s mission: 

             Gnomon specializes in computer graphics education for careers in the entertainment industry. 

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 1 year minimum of financial aid experience required
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements required
• Knowledge of federal & state laws, regulations, and policies of student financial aid recommended
• Proficient in MS Word, Adobe, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint required
• Must be in good standing with Dept. of Education (no student loan defaults).
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Competencies:

• Demonstrate personal integrity and excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact successfully with a diverse constituency, including students, faculty, and administrative staff.
• Extreme attention to detail, including top-notch organizing and multitasking skills, handle multiple projects and prioritize accordingly.  
• Appropriately handle, sort, file confidential and sensitive information, and locate, gather, synthesize and interpret complex information.
• Highly collaborative with excellent work ethic to produce deliverables with speed and humility.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Integrate new knowledge from a variety of sources with previous knowledge.
• Read, write legibly, proofread and follow written and oral instructions in English. Communicate clearly, effectively and respectfully in writing and orally.
• Strong personal accountability, problem solving and time management skills

EEO Statement:

Gnomon is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Gnomon does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression, religion, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizenship and/or immigration status, credit report or credit information, prior non-conviction arrest record, political activities or affiliations, child or spousal support withholding, domestic violence status, denial of family or medical care leave, lawful conduct occurring during nonworking hours away from the employer’s premises, and any other protected class, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory behavior is strictly prohibited.

Gnomon