Overview
The Chief Objective of the Position : The Financial Aid Pell Initiative for Virginia Coordinator is responsible for the management of Pell Initiative in Virginia grant funded scholarships to include the packaging and review of eligibility, as well as the management of related reporting requirements for the Office of Financial Aid.
Work Tasks
- Administer and Manage Pell Initiative for Virginia Financial Aid Programs
- Administers and manages special student scholarship programs relating to Pell Initiative for Virginia funding, including, but not limited to : Summer Pell-Eligible Enrollment Scholarship, admission enrollment scholarship waivers, Peninsula Pathway, …
- Liaises with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), CNU Transfer Center, CNU Office of Admission, and other internal and external agencies to assure that recipients of special program funding have been processed accurately.
- Reviews new regulations and processing information related to special aid programs to ensure that funds are managed correctly.
- Submits certification rosters as required for various programs to verify student eligibility conditions have been met.
- Monitor disbursements and receipt of funding by performing monthly and annual reconciliation of programs.
- Provides updates to financial aid staff on regulatory or policy changes and timelines for special programs, to ensure all staff can accurately advise students.
- Assists with the addition of private scholarships to students' financial aid packages, including the creation of scholarship fund codes in the student information system and packaging.
- Prepares and analyzes reports, statistical and otherwise using Excel and SQL, for SCHEV, the Office of Financial Aid, CNU Transfer Center, CNU Office of Admission, the Vice President for Enrollment, Student Success, and Institutional Effectiveness, the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services, and other departments as requested and needed.
- Needs Analysis, Review, and Packaging
- Stays up to date on federal and state legislation, regulations, and guidance that relate to student financial aid programs.
- Recalculates eligibility and makes appropriate adjustments to the student record, aid package, and / or disbursement based on the awarding of PIV grant funding
- Completes a series of manual reviews to include degree confirmation, housing exemptions, loan limits, Pell lifetime eligibility, waivers, unusual enrollment history, and default clearance.
- Conducts a series of quality control reviews to ensure financial awards are following federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines.
- Determines the eligibility of applicants for federal, state, and university financial aid funds based on evaluation of financial need as determined by federal or state regulation and the Department of Education.
- Maintains knowledge of financial aid packaging policies and best practices as identified by federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.
- Ensures that student resources and other aid funds are appropriately reported and that financial aid is packaged within the appropriate budget.
- Ensures students are maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to Federal and state regulations; ensures that students on SAP Appeal are meeting the conditions of their appeal in order to maintain eligibility.
- Outreach and Customer Service
- Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Maintains a caseload of students as determined by office needs.
- Represents the Office of Financial Aid at Open Houses, Admitted Freshman Days, community workshops, etc.
- Serves as a liaison with other University offices such as Admission, Registrar's, Student Accounts, etc.
- Provides information regarding all of the procedures and requirements of a financial aid program and the application process.
- Makes accurate assessments and evaluations of a student's application status and financial need determination and effectively communicates this information while meeting the privacy guidelines within FERPA regulations.
- Possesses the ability to respond and communicate effectively while multi-tasking between processing tasks.
- Develops and maintains positive and professional customer service and / or relations within the office / department and with all constituencies including students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
- Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
- Fully supports the "Student's First" value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
- This position is designated as a "responsible employee" who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
- Safety issues are reviewed and communicated to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work-related absences.
- Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
- Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
- Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state, and federal guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
Attention to detail; ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in reviewing documents and implementing changes to policy quickly and effectively.Interpersonal relations skills; demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with a wide range of people, especially students and parents, and counsel effectively.Ability to develop rapport; provide support; promote change; and manage conflict.Ability to set work priorities, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, hands-on environment while meeting deadlines; ability to initiate new ideas and implement decisions.Strong commitment to customer satisfaction.Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.Ability to partner with others across the University and externally to exchange information, collaborate on projects, share resources, etc.Strong computer skills, including the ability to use and understand complex computer software programs.Required Education
Master's degree; or Bachelor's degree and work experiences that equates to an advanced degree.
Experience Required
Experience interpreting complex policies and regulations.Experience dealing with difficult situations and diffusing customer conflict.Experience working with confidential records and information.Experience with detail-oriented work requiring a high degree of accuracy.Additional Consideration - ExperienceExperience in higher education (working with confidential records) in a financial aid setting, student financial services setting, or another relevant area of student services.Experience with student information systems, relational databases, or enterprise systems (ex. Banner).Experience with SQL Developer.Experience in interpreting federal and state financial aid rules and regulations and managing and administering financial aid programs.Experience in processing financial aid requests and eligibility determinations.Experience in working under the guidance of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) rules and regulations when handling education records.Salary Information
Starting at $50,900, Commensurate with Education and Experience
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU's on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu
Telework
Is this position telework eligible? : Yes
Telework Eligibility Disclaimer : This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee's success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage telework. Departments and / or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.
Posting Details
Posting Number : AP405P
Number of Vacancies : 1
Posting Date : 06 / 25 / 2025
Review Begin Date : 07 / 09 / 2025
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application. This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by July 9th, 2025. Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and / or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
Quick Link
Internal postings : none
EEO / Diversity Statement
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement.
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