Scholarship Specialist
Boise State University

About Us:
Boise State University is located along the banks of the Boise River and a short stroll from the state capitol. We are committed to an innovative, transformative, and equitable educational environment that supports student success, and advances Idaho and the world.

Boise State is building an inclusive community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, cultural contributions, work history, and perspectives create a rich and rewarding academic experience for our students. Applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
Job Summary/Basic Function:
The main purpose of this position is to work within a collaborative team environment to administer various student scholarship programs within regulatory requirements. Additionally, it involves advising students, parents, faculty, and staff to facilitate access to various student aid programs. Responsibilities require mid-level knowledge of financial aid rules, regulations, and processes, and prior professional experience within the financial aid profession. This position may also act as a mentor or project leader for 1 classified staff.

In addition, this position will assist in maintaining the online scholarship management tool Blackbaud Award Management (BAM) and works closely with scholarship chairs, Deans, Development Directors, and the Foundation.

This announcement will be used to fill one vacancy at either the Associate or Intermediate level, dependent on years of experience.
Department Overview:
Boise State University Financial Aid and Scholarships Department has a results-driven work environment where all employees treat each other with respect, develop themselves personally and professionally, support team efforts, and are accountable for their actions. Many efforts including leadership coaching and training are taking place to grow a department where you will enjoy working.
Level Scope:
Associate: Entry-level professional with limited or no prior experience to contribute on a project or work team. Incumbent learns to use professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity under close supervision while achieving day-to-day objectives. Works on developmental assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision making. This level is typically focused on self-development. Requires theoretical knowledge through specific education and training. Typically hold a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Intermediate: Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.
Essential Functions:
60% of Time the Scholarship Specialist must perform:

Scholarship Stewardship

• Review, set up, and monitor all institutional and foundation scholarship funds. In doing this the position is responsible for entering data into PeopleSoft to ensure accurate disbursal of funds and entering data into the Scholarship Database to ensure accurate awarding of the funds. This is completed by first interpreting the guidelines set up by the foundation and donor agreement.
• Use judgment and research skills to ensure accurate awarding of scholarship funds per donor request.
• Work directly with academic units to award scholarships including reporting, interpreting, negotiating, and entering awards.
• Resolve issues affecting the awarding of scholarships and Federal Financial Aid within a student's Cost of Attendance.
• Understand federal and state aid regulations and make adjustments to student award packages as impacted by scholarship decisions.
• Maintain, track, and adjust student's accounts for financial resources awarded to students outside of Boise State.
• Monitor donor funds and students who have completely withdrawn from the University and return those funds to donors as necessary.
• Comply with local, federal, and state laws to ensure accurate cash-handling processes are in place.
• Monitor student attendance and scholarship acceptance and return donor funds to donors if the students fail to attend or comply with donor restrictions.
• Advise and counsel students and families on the financial aid process, unique circumstances for individual applicants, and options for funding a college education

35% of the Time the Scholarship Specialist must perform:

Scholarships On-line System Maintenance and Creating New Awards

• Design, modify, and implement a tracking system for the thousands of item types set up and scholarship accounts set up to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Create new scholarship item types for new scholarship agreements.
• Participate in Blackbaud Awards Management webinars and stay abreast of any software updates and changes.
• Identify best practices and benchmarks.
  • Strategize and implement methods to raise client services to those standards.
  • Prioritize implementation.
• Identify the needs of the scholarships team.
  • Plan, design, and implement programs and projects that will meet those needs and ensure the success of the client services team.
• Skills in complementary fields may include, but not be limited to,
  • Business administration, public administration, counseling, human resource management, tax preparation, economics, human performance improvement, and educational technology.

5% of Time the Scholarship Specialist must:

• Perform presentations at outreach events such as FAFSA nights, Discover Orientation, etc. both on and off-campus.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills which include the ability to draft/amend policies and procedures and report on findings
• Ability to handle a large volume of deadline-driven tasks with minimal level of supervision
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and lead projects to successful completion
• Ability to build rapport and close working relationships with various stakeholders to achieve scholarship outcomes
• Verbal and written communication skills including public speaking and creating presentation materials
• Working effectively in a collaborative, team environment
• Ability to interpret written agreements into quantifiable data
• Understanding of University policies and processes, particularly in the areas of Admissions and Registration
• Attention to detail and excellent organization skills

Minimum Qualifications:
Associate: Bachelor's degree or relevant experience

Intermediate: Bachelor's degree or relevant experience, plus 2 years professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Skills in complementary fields may include, but not be limited to:

Business administration, public administration, counseling, human resource management, tax preparation, economics, human performance improvement, and educational technology.
Salary and Benefits:
Associate: starting at $46,051.20 annually

Intermediate: starting at $47,195.20 annually

Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.
Required Application Materials:
Resume, Cover Letter, and 3 References

Advertised: May 8, 2024 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: May 22, 2024 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time

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