Financial Aid Administrator

Covenant College Job Description

Financial Aid Administrator

Join a team of employees who are committed to an exciting mission to offer the world biblically grounded men and women equipped to live out extraordinary callings in ordinary places. Covenant College is a community committed to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, and everything we do is grounded in our Reformed theology and worldview.

Covenant has a beautiful 400-acre campus that stretches atop Lookout Mountain, Georgia on the Georgia/Tennessee border, just outside of Chattanooga. The community is a hub of vibrant cultural, educational, business, high-tech and entertainment activity and is an affordable place to live or raise a family. The campus enjoys incredible vistas of the Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau with views that span across several states. The region is widely known as an outdoor recreational paradise for campers, boaters, cyclists, climbers, cavers and hikers, all this while being conveniently located within two hours of Atlanta, Nashville and Knoxville.

Position Summary:

The Financial Aid Administrator serves as a primary point of contact for prospective and current students and their families regarding financial aid, required documentation, and eligibility requirements. This role collaborates closely with Financial Aid and Admissions staff to deliver timely and accurate support throughout the enrollment process. They oversee the preparation and distribution of financial aid award notifications for undergraduate and graduate students, determine eligibility for Georgia state aid programs, and manage the awarding, reconciliation, and monitoring of state scholarship funds. This role assists with appeals and professional judgment reviews, submits scholarship reports, and proactively communicates eligibility concerns to students and families. In addition, the Financial Aid Administrator maintains financial aid communications channels, coordinates financial aid marketing initiatives, participates in recruitment events, supports annual audit preparation and compliance activities, and performs additional duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Essential Functions:

Awarding

• Point of communication for recruits and students in the financial aid office, providing information and updates about new or updated financial aid offers, needed paperwork, etc.
• Partner with the Financial Aid and Admissions teams to provide quick and accurate assistance to students and families.
• Submit online scholarship reports for applicable scholarships.
• Assist in appeals and professional judgments for recruits.

Georgia Compliance

• Oversees the pre-awarding process and the preparation of mailed and emailed financial aid offers, including undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Determine Georgia state funds eligibility and award accordingly.
• Notify families of the necessary steps for ensuring Georgia eligibility, including home-schooled students, based on test scores and HOPE retroactively.
• When possible, notify families and students when in danger of losing Georgia scholarship funds.
• Balance Georgia state funds at least every semester with Georgia, the Financial Aid Office, and the Accounting Office.

Other Duties

• Participate in recruiting events on campus.
• Maintain the financial aid inbox and phone line.
• Responsible for all financial aid marketing (website, brochure, etc.). This includes exploring new opportunities for marketing (videos, financial aid info nights at local schools, etc.).
• Aid in financial aid audits - Audit preparation is done on an annual basis and involves preparing reports, reviewing student files or awards, and providing other information as requested by the independent audit firm or the state agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Competencies:

• Mission Alignment - Demonstrates commitment to Covenant's Christ-centered mission and Reformed identity.
• Student ServiceRelationship Management - Provides responsive, professional, and student-centered support to prospective and current students and their families throughout the financial aid process.
• Financial Aid Administration - Demonstrates knowledge of financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, awarding processes, and compliance obligations.
• Regulatory ComplianceAccuracy - Maintains a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional financial aid requirements.
• Communication - Communicates complex financial aid information clearly and effectively through written, verbal, and electronic communication channels.
• OrganizationTime Management - Effectively manages multiple deadlines, student inquiries, reporting requirements, and administrative responsibilities simultaneously.
• Problem-SolvingCritical Thinking - Applies sound judgment in resolving student concerns, evaluating documentation, and supporting financial aid decision-making processes.
• Collaboration - Works effectively with Admissions, Financial Aid, Accounting, Enrollment Management, and other campus partners to support student success and institutional goals.
• TechnologyData Management - Demonstrates proficiency with student information systems, financial aid software, Google Workspace, and reporting tools while maintaining accurate records and documentation

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 2-3 years of college financial aid program experience.
• Familiarity with relevant federal and state regulations.
• Experience using Google Suite in a professional setting.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Master's degree in a related financial aid field of study.
• Additional specialized or advanced training in a related financial aid field.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• An acceptance of and commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• An understanding of the mission and purpose of Covenant College.
• Must be able to assent to Covenant College's Staff Commitments

Physical Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily on campus in a professional office environment utilizing standard office equipment, computers, student information systems, and communication technologies. The position requires frequent interaction with prospective students, current students, families, faculty, staff, and external agencies.

Standard business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support enrollment events, financial aid activities, or departmental needs. Limited travel may be required for professional development opportunities, training programs, or recruitment-related events.

Position Classification:

Department/Unit: AdmissionsFinancial Aid
Job Title: Financial Aid Administrator
Job Status: Regular full-time (40hrs/week), FLSA Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Financial Aid

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply at https://www.covenant.edu/about/employment. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to attach supporting documents to the application. Documents required for this position include:

• Letter of interest
• Rsum - including contact information for three references
• A statement or expression of your personal faith, sharing about your walk and the ongoing work of Christ in your life.