Financial Aid Specialist

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 administrative support experience.
• 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.