Position Information
Position Number
S00876
Position Title
Financial Aid and Awards Specialist
Division/Portfolio
Office of the Registrar
Department/Program
Financial Awards
Location
To Be Determined
Other Flexible Work Options
Any Okanagan College Location
Your Opportunity
Reporting to the Manager, Financial Aid and Awards, the Financial Aid and Award Specialist plays a critical role in supporting students by providing accurate and timely financial aid information, processing funding applications, and ensuring compliance with institutional and government policies. This position involves direct student interaction, guiding applicants through eligibility criteria, application processes, and financial aid opportunities.
In addition to student support, the role focuses on outreach and engagement by organizing workshops, presentations, and recruitment events to promote awareness of financial aid options. The incumbent also collaborates with internal departments, external partners, and community agencies to facilitate referrals and enhance student support services.
A key aspect of this role includes maintaining and improving knowledge systems, such as updating digital tools, tracking student interactions, and providing data-driven insights to enhance service delivery. The Financial Aid and Awards Specialist also contributes to continuous improvement by offering feedback on policies, assisting in training new team members, and advising leadership on the effectiveness of financial aid processes
Functions and Duties
Student Guidance & Support
- Assess student eligibility for institutional and government funding in accordance with established criteria and guidelines
- Process funding applications, including for the Provincial Tuition Waiver program and other specialized financial aid opportunities, ensuring accurate records and compliance with institutional and government policies
- Review applications for completeness and accuracy, following up with students when additional information is needed
- Respond to inquiries via phone, email, online platforms, and in-person interactions, ensuring a high level of professionalism and customer service
- Provide accurate information to prospective and current students about funding opportunities, application processes, and eligibility requirements
- Assist students in completing applications for funding, ensuring completeness and accuracy in accordance with institutional and government policies
- Liaise with internal departments, external partners, and community agencies to facilitate appropriate referrals and support services for students
Outreach & Engagement
- Organize, coordinate logistics, and lead workshops, presentations, and initiatives both on and off campus to increase awareness and understanding of funding opportunities and support services
- Participates in recruitment events, both on and off campus
- Assist in onboarding new team members by providing guidance and training on financial aid systems
Knowledge Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Update and maintain knowledge bases, chatbot responses, and related digital tools and information to improve self-service options for students
- Record statistics on student interactions
- Provide feedback and suggestions to improve student services and enhance the overall student experience
- Advise managers and other team members on the effectiveness, impact, and potential challenges of policies and procedures
- Support other campus locations as needed, ensuring consistent service delivery across all college sites including virtual
Clerical and Administrative Support
- Perform data entry functions
- Prepare routine correspondence and reports as required by the department
- Maintain detailed records, including student files, financial aid and award applications and award letters, in compliance with institutional and government regulations to ensure accurate data collection and tracking
- Process, barcode and scan documents for electronic records management and ensure proper archiving of student records
Education and Experience
- Two year diploma in related post-secondary education, preferably in business administration, office management or related field
- Two to four years related experience, preferably in a post secondary environment or administrative support role
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, internal and external community members
- Strong organizational and administrative skills, with a keen attention to detail and accuracy
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
- High level of discretion and confidentiality
- High level of competence in time management, adaptability, and independent work
- Able to interpret and operationalize complex college and government policies
Preferred Qualifications
Desired Start Date
08/25/2025
Position End Date (if temporary)
Schedule
Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week
Annual Salary/Hourly Rate
55,947 - 63,827
Appointment Type
Support - Regular Full-time
Special Instructions to Applicants
Travel within the College region may be required. Hybrid work may be considered after 3 months.
Shortlisted internal candidates must notify the current Support Staff Bargaining Chairperson and People Services if they want a Union Observer during interviews and final selection of candidates.
Shortlisted internal candidates must notify the current Support Staff Bargaining Chairperson and People Services if they want a Union Observer during interviews and final selection of candidates.
Employee Group
Support
Posting Detail Information
Competition Number
C003164
Number of Vacancies
1
Posting Open Date
07/22/2025
Posting Closing Date
08/04/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Inclusion Statement
Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].
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