Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Scholarship Specialist at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
The Scholarship Specialist is responsible for administering and participating in the university-wide private
scholarship awards process and selection. Reconciles administrative, operational and funding processes.
Collaborates with relevant external and internal stakeholders including University Development Office
professionals, College Deans and their administrative teams to monitor and report the expenditures of
institutional scholarships funds budget.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Lead the university-wide scholarship award selection process. Provide relevant information pertaining to
scholarship applicants and nominees and bring panelists to a consensus in selecting award recipients. Apply
extensive institutional knowledge and governing laws in selecting awardees.
Ensure department and university compliance with federal financial aid regulations in awarding and disbursing
scholarship aid, particularly in situations when estimated financial assistance and external and institutional aid
are present.
Analyze endowed, institutional and external scholarship funding and reconcile funds as needed. Monitor and
report the expenditures of institutional scholarships funds budget. Coordinate with cashier’s office to award
external scholarship funds to awardees.
Act as a scholarship subject matter expert, providing essential information and data for relevant stakeholders,
including current and potential students, development officers, external agencies or foundations, and internal
university financial aid office professionals.
Analyze student financial aid scholarship appeals, considering all factors including changing and/or extenuating
circumstances of the students. Resolve the appeals ensuring that individual-level student outcomes balance with
group and organization-level university institutional financial aid budgets.
Partner with communications coordinator to ensure communications relating to scholarships are timely and
accurate.
Analyze Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid’s scholarships systems and methodology; identify
opportunities for improvement and lead improvement initiatives.
Perform related tasks as assigned.
This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in social sciences, humanities, communications, business administration, information
systems/information technology or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum two years’ experience working with scholarship selection processes and methodologies. Knowledge
of state and federal laws governing private scholarships and familiar with federal financial aid regulations.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both verbally and in writing. Strong electronic
communication skills.
Ability to compare, contrast and quality check work with a keen attention to detail. Strong analytical skills
including critical thinking and problem solving skills. Able to read, adapt and implement changes to comply
with new laws and program guidelines.
Proficient in the use of Banner or similar software and Microsoft Office tools including Excel and Project
Management/SMARTSHEETS, Salesforce, or other CRM systems.
Skilled in identifying methods to anticipate student needs, developing ways to address and implement changing
regulations, and working with other staff to improve services. Must be well organized; comfortable with math
and technology.
Ability to balance several priorities at a time, assess workflow and make adjustments.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The position incumbent will be required to work with varied internal and external customers and must possess
the ability to clearly communicate complex issues to technical and non-technical audiences. This position
necessitates a high level of confidentiality and is dedicated to a high level of customer service. This
classification receives direction from a Manager level position.
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
H92 - Student Affairs
Primary department:
H9247 - Student Financial Aid
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Hourly rate:
- Salary minimum: $47,866
- Salary hire maximum: $57,441
Working conditions:
Normal office environment
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
- Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Equal employment opportunity statement:
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.