Financial Aid Coordinator, State & University Programs - UT Chattanooga

Reporting the Associate Director of Scholarships and State Aid, the Financial Aid Coordinator – State and University Programs is responsible for the coordinating, awarding, and monitoring of university and Tennessee state scholarship and grant programs totaling more than $14 million annually. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, University of Tennessee, and institutional regulations while providing exceptional service to students, families, faculty, and campus partners. The coordinator serves as the primary liaison between the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, university departments, the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), and other external agencies for assigned scholarship and state aid programs.

State and University Scholarship Administration

• Coordinate the awarding, monitoring, renewal, reconciliation, and reporting of university scholarship programs, including first-year renewable scholarships, designated returning student scholarships, and assigned endowed scholarship funds.
• Administer Tennessee state financial aid programs, including but not limited to:
• Tennessee HOPE Access Grant
• Tennessee HOPE Foster Child Tuition Grant
• Tennessee Dependent Child Tuition Grant
• Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation
• Helping Heroes Grant
• Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program
• Math and Science Teacher Program
• Minority Teaching Fellows Program
• Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program
• Rural Health Loan Program
• Other TSAC-administered programs as assigned

Compliance and Financial Aid Operations

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations governing assigned programs.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of awards while maintaining compliance with all applicable policies and audit requirements.
• Utilize Banner, reporting tools, and other financial aid technologies to reconcile accounts, identify discrepancies, produce reports, and ensure data integrity.
• Participate in internal and external audits by providing documentation and resolving discrepancies related to assigned programs.
• Develop, maintain, and document procedures related to assigned scholarship and state aid programs.

Student Service and Financial Aid Counseling

• Advise students and families regarding eligibility, application requirements, scholarship opportunities, renewal criteria, and financial aid options.
• Resolve complex student inquiries regarding university scholarships, Tennessee state aid, and related financial aid matters. Collaborate with Admissions, academic departments, Student Financial Services, and other campus offices to support student success and scholarship administration.

Outreach and Training

• Represent the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at recruitment events, orientation programs, high school visits, financial aid workshops, and community presentations.
• Provide training and guidance to financial aid staff and campus partners regarding Tennessee state financial aid programs and university scholarship processes.
• Assist in maintaining scholarship and Tennessee state aid information on the departmental website and other communication platforms.

Other Duties

• Support departmental initiatives and strategic enrollment efforts.
• Participate in testing and implementation of system upgrades and process improvements. Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

Must have effective customer service and interpersonal skills; superior organizational and problem resolution skills required; self-starter and ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines; basic computer software skills including MS Office required. Ability to communicate effectively with scholarship recipients, staff, faculty and the state as needed in a professional manner.

Application Review

Review of applications will begin 10 days from posting and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of financial aid principles, scholarship administration, and student services.

Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, University of Tennessee, and institutional regulations.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to reconcile financial records and identify discrepancies.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and external agencies.

Prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong customer service skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and student information systems; experience with Banner and financial aid management systems preferred

Required: Requires a bachelor’s degree or business-related field

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and student information systems; experience with Banner and financial aid management systems preferred

Preferred: Knowledge of TN state programs preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT Market Range: MR07
• Anticipated hiring salary: $47,000 - $50,000

students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.