University of Maine System (UMS)

Financial Aid Specialist CL2

University of Maine System (UMS)  •  $20.39/hr  •  Orono, ME (Onsite)  •  9 days ago
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Job Description

This position is responsible for all aspects of Alternative and PLUS Loan processing including: determining loan eligibility, certifying loans, submitting loan related programs, reviewing loan data for accuracy, making all necessary updates & corrections, transmitting & receiving loan records, and alternative loan disbursement. This position also serves as the primary contact within the office for general questions about, and revisions to, alternative and PLUS loans. This position works with lenders and disbursing agents to ensure the accurate and timely processing and disbursement of loans. Support the Assistant Director with the administration of all Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) programs. In addition, the position participates in direct customer service activities and trains/supervises student employees in the loan area. The position requires the development of specialized program knowledge across multiple areas, excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $20.39/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Loans

  • Process alternative loans and Direct PLUS Loans including the origination, transmittal, disbursement & adjustment of loan funds.
  • Determine academic year eligibility; decisions around eligibility are typically non-routine and require a significant understanding of federal regulations and office policy.
  • Review prior loan history to determine aggregate amounts borrowed on-line through the Department of Education website (NSLDS).
  • Responsible for loan disbursement processes that post funds to student accounts.
  • Responsible for problem resolution when issues arise with certification or disbursement, and recommend procedural changes to the supervisor.
  • Responsible for the electronic transmission and receipt of loan data through several web-based loan delivery systems.
  • Work closely with lenders and disbursing agents to ensure accurate and timely processing of loans. Initiate corrections and adjustments to loan records.
  • Process all paper checks received from lenders for alternative loans.
  • Work with the Assistant Director for Loans to maintain accurate documentation of loan policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for all email/letter loan communication to students and parents when loans have been processed.

Other

  • Support over award processing to ensure that a student’s aid is appropriate based on either cost of attendance or financial need.
  • Perform financial aid award adjustments for December graduates.
  • Support the Assistant Director with the administration of all Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) programs, including the State of Maine Grant Program, Foster Care Tuition Waiver, and State of Maine Grant Program for Adults, and Educators for Maine Loan programs. Includes the identification of eligible students and award amounts and electronic transmission of data.
  • Advises students and parents both in-person or via phone and email, on highly sensitive and confidential financial aid and related concerns including interpretation of federal, state and University regulations and policy.
  • Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director of Student Financial Services.

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

Qualification:

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND two years experience in financial aid.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Comfortable in a fast paced, highly computerized environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • High degree of experience with Microsoft Office Applications.
  • Data Entry Experience
  • Possess the attitude and ability to foster a respectful and productive workplace environment.

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of PeopleSoft /MaineStreet.
  • Previous experience in financial aid.
  • Prior supervisory experience

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position

2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on July 10, 2026.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.


The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/


Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
University of Maine System (UMS)

About University of Maine System (UMS)

The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state’s largest driver of educational attainment and economic development. In the past two decades, the System has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through world-class research and development.

Established in 1968, UMS unites the state’s distinctive public universities including the R1 University of Maine and its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law, as well as the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.

The System serves more than 30,000 students annually and its tripartite education, research and service mission is made possible by the efforts of some 5,000 faculty and staff. Despite demographic declines in the state and region, over the last five years the System has increased the number of high school students annually earning free university credit by 32%, rapidly expanded high-quality online education, grown graduate enrollment by 22%, and launched innovative adult degree completion initiatives to advance economic mobility and meet state workforce needs. Maine’s public universities continue to be a national leader in advancing college affordability and access and reducing student debt. Listed in-state tuition and fees at UMaine are the lowest of any New England flagship and Pell-eligible Maine students can attend four of the System’s small universities without paying out-of-pocket for tuition and fees.

Industry
Education & Training
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Bangor, ME
Year Founded
1968
Website
maine.edu
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