Job Summary
At Indiana GEAR UP, we provide an education that's built on respect and fosters learning. We cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration, personal growth, and academic success. This position requires creative problem solving, significant independent judgment, program development, and relationship building at the school and in the local community.
The Scholarship Specialist, supported by the Indiana GEAR UP (INGU) state director and director of operations, is responsible for managing the entire scholarship application process, including reviewing eligibility criteria, selecting recipients, distributing funds, and maintaining accurate records of all scholarship programs, often working with and students to ensure proper application and disbursement of scholarship awards; the primary duties involve overseeing the database of scholarship applications, verifying eligibility, and coordinating with stakeholders.
The Scholarship Specialist is an important position within Indiana GEAR UP, directly impacting the resources students need to continue their education. Through innovative and strategic management, the Specialist will contribute to the long-term academic and career success of students from a wide range of backgrounds. This position is a newly created position, and responsibilities could change and shift based on the candidate’s skills and grant needs. The ideal candidate is passionate and committed to the mission of the university and Indiana GEAR UP.
Management of Scholarship Application & Award Processes:
- Manage the scholarship application process, including: reviewing and verifying eligibility criteria for each scholarship, receiving and processing scholarship applications, maintaining a comprehensive scholarship database with student information and application details, and coordinating with scholarship committees to review applications and select recipients
- Award distribution and communication: generating award letters to selected scholarship recipients, ensuring timely disbursement, communicating with students regarding scholarship updates and reporting requirements
- Advise students, parents and others regarding financial aid through counseling services and presentations
- Generate reports on scholarship program metrics and outcomes
- Ensure compliance with all scholarship guidelines and regulations
- Audit scholarship records to maintain accuracy
- Manage scholarship application platforms, online portals, and database systems to track scholarship applications and recipient information
Project Management:
- Plan and track timelines, ensuring follow up; provide timely reports to PI, program staff and other stakeholders.
- Work with the Director of Operations to develop plans for scholarship management. Assist with maintaining compliance and regulatory policies by being aware of and advising others of policy and procedures and facilitating any tracking or training requirements.
Travel & Other Duties:
- Statewide travel on occasion to attend meetings and events, with flexibility to attend occasional overnight, evening, and/or weekend meetings or events/activities as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education
REQUIRED
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in education, finance, business administration, or a related field required
Experience:
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in higher education, financial aid, scholarship administration, account management, financial management or related experience.
- Will consider an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
PREFERRED
● Experience working in college access programs or educational support services
● Purdue business office experience
● Proficiency in data management and database systems
● Strong quantitative skills with ability to synthesize complex information and produce quality management reports.
● Ability to analyze information and make informed decisions and to adapt processes and procedures to meet changing needs
● Knowledge of financial aid principles and regulations
● Excellent written communication skills including proper use of grammar, spelling, writing structure, proofreading and editing.
● Strong interpersonal skills including listening, verbal capacity, team orientation and an ability to influence and build working relationships in a broad-based workforce and across multiple employee groups.
● Use independent judgment and creative problem-solving to address program needs and deliver solutions that meet the objectives of the INGU program.
● Initiative, curiosity, organization, and detailed planning skills.
● Possess a learning and implementation orientation to changing technology.
● Manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines with attention to detail and follow-through.
● Proficient use of personal computers and standard software including word processing, spreadsheets, email, Google Suite and internet browsers.
● Ability to read, interpret, communicate and adhere to university policies and procedures.