Scholarship Support Specialist

Summary / Purpose
The Scholarship Support Specialist supports the administration of the Early Learning Scholarship program by reviewing applications, determining eligibility, processing enrollments, and maintaining accurate records. This position provides customer support to families and partners while ensuring compliance with program policies, timelines, and data privacy requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Review and process Award Planning Agreements (APAs), update ELS Hub records, and coordinate with external partners to ensure timely enrollment processing.
• Review scholarship applications and determine eligibility in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Support families with incomplete applications by communicating documentation requirements and application next steps.
• Manage application deadlines, including case closure for incomplete applications that exceed response timeframes.
• Reopen and reprocess scholarship applications for families reapplying to the program.
• Support Case Management in awaiting APA efforts and during scholarship award periods by collecting and processing updated eligibility information.
• Maintain accurate and detailed case records, documenting communications, eligibility determinations, and application activities within designated data management systems.
• Provide professional customer service and support to families, early childhood programs, community partners, and internal staff.
• Safeguard confidential information and maintain compliance with data privacy requirements.
• Participate in a rotating schedule for additional on-site office coverage and front desk support as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in coordination with the supervisor

Qualifications
Education:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood, Human Resources, or a related field; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating required job competencies.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in data entry or data management.
• 2 years of experience in customer service or community support roles preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Training or familiarity with data privacy and security standards.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Experience with SharePoint and ability to learn new software/databases.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to collaborate with coworkers and external partners.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Regular use of computer, phone, and other office equipment.
• Frequent sitting, keyboarding, and communication in person, by phone, and by email.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Position requires regular, reliable attendance.
• Rotating schedule for additional in-office days to support front desk coverage.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Medical Insurance for employees and families, with employer contribution
• Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurance,
• Optional employee-paid insurance benefits include: Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling, mental health support and life resources.

Retirement

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to a 5% employer match

Paid Time Off & Holidays

• Vacation time, Sick Leave, 9 Paid holidays, 4 floating holidays

Leave Benefits

• Access to state and federally mandated leave programs, including Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave, other protected leave benefits as applicable.

Financial Support

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) support for eligible employees pursuing federal student loan forgiveness

Think Small® has been a leader in advancing quality care and education for children in their early years since 1971. Founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the organization supports families, early childhood professionals, and communities with professional development, consultation, and parent education services. Think Small’s mission is to ensure children are well-prepared for school and their early educational journey. Its publishing division, Redleaf Press, is recognized globally for delivering valuable resources for early childhood educators. The organization's innovative initiatives positively impact children, families, and educators locally and beyond.