Financial Aid Assistant

Position Title: Financial Aid Assistant

Department: Registrar’s Office

Position Type: TERM

Classification: NSGEU, Band 4

Salary Range: $37,874 – $46,300

Posting Date: November 7, 2024

Closing Date: November 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM AST

Position Description

The Financial Aid Assistant supports the Financial Aid Office and the clients it serves – both internal and external. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for providing high-quality customer service, administering the University’s bursary programs, and the provincial, federal, and international student loan programs. Under the direction of the Financial Aid Officer, the Financial Aid Assistant will assist with the processing of student loan documents, bursary applications and financial documents. They will also provide the Financial Aid Officer general office and administrative assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Financial Aid Officer as required.
• In consultation with the Financial Aid Officer, assist with the Financial Aid section of the website and update content as necessary.
• Assist students with the bursary application process.
• Responsible for understanding the eligibility criteria and the terms of reference for all bursaries – entrance, limited, and general – in order to guide and assist students with the bursary application process.
• Assist the Financial Aid Officer with the adjudication of bursaries.
• In consultation with the Financial Aid Officer, collect bursary thank-you letters and arrange for the release of bursary funds to students.
• Assist the Financial Aid Officer with the implementation and management of bursary application processing software.
• Assist and support students through all phases of the Canadian student loan process by providing accurate information, appropriate materials, and procedural instructions for completing required documentation.
• Interprets and explains to students the policies and procedures for financial aid programs.
• Responsible for meeting with students to provide guidance, support, and assistance with bursary and student loan inquiries and issues.
• Confirms students’ enrolment status in the provincial electronic student loan portals.
• Confirms graduation status in the provincial and national electronic student loan portals.
• In consultation with the Financial Aid Officer, liaises with government agencies to provide information and resolve areas of dispute.
• Responds to in-person and telephone inquiries regarding financial aid programs, as required.
• Act as a secondary resource for the US Direct Student Loan Program – this will require having an in-depth understanding of the US Direct Student Loan program to provide support to student in the Financial Aid Officer’s absence.
• Provide assistance as needed, for Front Office responsibilities including, but not limited, to the processing of transcript requests, major declaration forms, confirmation of enrolments, file management in relation to the annual file transfer and the digitization of records and Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) Partner Portal enrolment and graduation reporting

Qualifications

• Diploma in Office Administration or equivalent. Minimum of three years of office administration experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Banner student information system and mesAMIS is considered an asset.
• Superior communications, interpersonal and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment in a very busy and dynamic setting.
• Previous experience working in a student and/or customer focused service environment is considered an asset.

To apply for this opportunity, click the “Apply Now” button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.

StFX is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.

About the Financial Aid Office

As a unit within the Office of the Registrar, the StFX Financial Aid Office helps students navigate the financial resources that are avaialable to students, and in some cases, to provide direct support. The services offered include administration of need-based bursaries, student loan information and support, along with student financial literacy.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience — outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges — all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean’s annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.

St. Francis Xavier University