Direct Loan Specialist

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• The Direct Loan Specialist is responsible for processing Federal and private loans for the graduate, professional, and undergraduate populations at Howard University according to Federal regulations and Financial Aid Office procedures.
• The Direct Loan Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day production of a high volume of student and parent loan.
• This position coordinates with Financial Aid staff to determine loan eligibility and communicates with other campus departments; lenders; guarantee agencies and loan servicers.
• The Direct Loan Specialist works as a member of the loan team.
• Perform automatic and manual loan processing functions for Federal and private educational loan programs accurately and in a timely manner according to Federal Regulations and University policy and procedure.
• Perform weekly, monthly, and annual reconciliation of loan awards and disbursements according to Federal Regulations and University policy and procedure.
• This includes but is not limited to: reviewing and correcting lists of rejected loans, loans pending certification, credit denial reports, disbursement discrepancies between Workday and COD, award discrepancies between Workday and COD, students missing necessary loan paperwork, and loans pending disbursements; reviewing and completing reports generated by the Department of Education, Howard University, the Financial Aid office, lenders, servicers, or disbursing agents.
• Communicate efficiently, accurately, and expeditiously with all necessary parties regarding loan processing according to Federal Regulations and University policy and procedure.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as needed based on regulatory or procedural changes.
• This includes but is not limited to training new staff members; assisting with loan presentations; and working with other departments within Enrollment Management to ensure student loans are processed in a timely manner.
• This position coordinates with Financial Aid staff, communicates with other on campus departments, as well as off campus organizations to ensure the efficient, accurate, and effective processing of loans.
• Understanding of how to use a wide variety of computer systems and databases.
• Detail oriented, be able to work quickly and accurately, have effective communication skills and be able to handle a high-volume work environment.
• Knowledge of Federal regulations, ELM, and COD.
• Exercise great attention to detail utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills.    
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt in a high pace environment.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Human Resources Management and Training:

In the absence of the Associate Director of Loans, this position will report to the Deputy Director of Financial Aid. Will keep abreast of Title IV regulations and institutional policies and procedures and ensure that staff is properly trained and provided direction.

Percentage of Time: 25%

Data Management:

This position will support the Compliance unit within the Office of Financial Aid for reconciling funds in the Workday system [(Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)]. Fund accounting is reconciled between federal, institutional accounts, etc. in conjunction with the COD system. This position will process loan originations and certifications, review and correcting rejected loans, disbursements/award discrepancies between Banner and COD.

Percentage of Time: 20%

Administrative Functions:

This position will award financial aid and process loans as assigned by the Associate Director for Loans. This may include being responsible for a specific school, ensuring that the needs of the students, faculty and staff are met in a timely manner. Reporting (analysis, responses) may be required, per the Associate Director of Loans, Financial Aid Director, or members of the management team.

Percentage of Time: 35%

Customer Service/Outreach/Engagement:

This position will work with the Associate Director of Loans and financial aid staff to ensure that optimal customer service is provided. The position will assist in developing metrics to establish benchmarks and outcomes. The position will assist the Associate Director of Loans with assessing financial aid information (web, social media, etc.) and determining and helping to enact those areas of improvement. The position will assist with outreach and engagement – including conducting financial aid presentations or attending events sponsored by the Office of Financial Aid.

Percentage of Time: 20%

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s Degree and at least five years of experience in financial aid (or a related area), with increasingly degrees of difficulty and demonstrated competencies. Knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations. Highly effective oral and written communication skills. Excellent mathematical and analytical skills as well as computer proficiency. Demonstrated understanding of the general operation of the financial aid office in an enrollment management setting. Ability to travel and work evenings, and other times as deemed necessary for overall operations of the Financial Aid office. Ability to work effectively under stressful situations and still maintain a cordial, positive, and professional demeanor. Collaborative and student/customer oriented. Proactive, with strong problem-solving skills. Leadership and organizational skills. Ability to train and supervise clerical staff and student workers. Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively with frequent interruptions. Demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity and diversity/multicultural issues.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

Expected Pay Range: $65,000 to $70,000