Financial Aid Operations and Systems Coordinator

Department: Division of Enrollment Management

Classification: Computer Ops Tech 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

In collaboration with the George Mason University community, and as part of the Office of the Provost, the Division for Enrollment Management optimizes student recruitment and retention by developing and implementing strategic enrollment plans, overseeing the admissions process, providing financial aid services, and managing the Mason Student Services Center—a centralized student services resource. The Division’s activities support the achievement of institutional enrollment goals by placing the student (and family) at the center of our work, supporting a culture of transparency, and leveraging data to inform decision-making.

The mission of the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) is to offer services and programs to students through awards funded from federal, state, and private organizations. The primary mission of the Office is to provide eligible students with funds to finance and complete their education within the boundaries of federal, state, and University regulations. The focus of the Office is to help students develop an understanding of the need to be proactive consumers of educational opportunities at George Mason University.

About the Position:

The Financial Aid Operations and Systems Coordinator is responsible for supporting the operational processing functions within the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA). This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and efficient processing of financial aid data, and serves as the Secondary Destination Point Administrator for U.S. Department of Education Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) systems. The Coordinator manages the secure exchange of federal data files, maintains system integrity, and oversees Banner system updates, access, and security for OSFA staff.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the OSFA Administrator for the U.S. Department of Education systems, including COD, FAA Access, NSLDS, and FSA Partner Connect;
• Manages SAIG/FTI-SAIG mailbox password updates to maintain secure access to federal systems;
• Manages the import and export of COD, ISIR, and ISIR Correction file processing through the SAIG/FTSAIG mailboxes, TDClient, Appworx, and Banner. Manages the export and import of the NSLDS Financial Aid History (FAH) files. Manages the import of Virginia Alternative State Application (VASA) in Banner. Manages and resolves ISIR and VASA suspense records in Banner.
• Serves as the Administrator for the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) generic email accounts. Banner Security Officer for OSFA, responsible for conducting regular security audits, preparing security reports, and process Banner Access Request Forms. Manage Active User Directory for Financial Aid staff. Administrator of Banner Document Management System-BDM and document imaging for the OSFA.
• Stays up to date on Banner financial aid defects and releases. Collaborates with ITS Database Administrators (DBAs) to support the implementation and testing of Banner system updates and patches. Develops comprehensive Banner Financial Aid release test plans, and performs testing in all relevant environments—including test and production databases—to ensure system integrity and functionality.
• Identifies and resolves duplicate account issues (multiple PIDMs) in collaboration with key university departments, utilizing Banner and the Multiple PIDM Management System (MPMS) to ensure accurate and consolidated student records. Manages, assigns, and resolves Financial Aid IT support cases submitted through Salesforce, ensuring timely and accurate issue resolution. - (Essential)
• Collaborates with the Associate Director of IT and Scholarships on financial aid reporting and the reconciliation of financial aid awards to ensure data accuracy and compliance. Takes the lead in coordinating the review and resolution of SCHEV data file errors and warnings for accurate submission of financial aid data in accordance with state reporting requirements. - (Essential)
• Assists the Associate Director of IT and Scholarships with the setup and configuration of the new financial aid year, ensuring systems, parameters, and processes are prepared for accurate award processing.
• Maintains and manages data collection, retention and file storage of financial aid documents and data files. Liaises with the Information Technology (ITS) office. Member of the System Administrator Leadership Team (SALT). Member of the Banner Security Officer's Coordinating Committee.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Demonstrated experience with Windows-based software;
• Experience supporting and maintaining specialized computer programs and applications, including troubleshooting and end-user support;
• Knowledge of and experience with higher education operations and data analysis, including data collection, interpretation, and reporting;
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective technical and systems support;
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a team environment; and
• Ability to stay current in relevant training coursework, and system updates needed to perform the job.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a Financial Aid Office at a postsecondary institution, with a solid understanding of financial aid processes, regulations, and procedures;
• Experience working with data retrieval and reporting tools, as well as experience using a variety of software applications to support operational and reporting needs;
• Training or experience with an imaging/document management system for electronic file storage and retrieval;
• Experience with the Department of Education software systems (i.e., TDClient, EdConnect);
• Working knowledge of the Banner (Ellucian) Student Financial Aid System, with the ability to navigate, troubleshoot, and support system functions;
• Working knowledge of Department of Education systems, and the import and export of system files; and
• Demonstrated ability to train and support others, including developing user guidance and delivering effective instruction on system processes.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Financial Aid Operations and Systems Coordinator at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  June 6, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  July 7, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes