Scholarship Specialist Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedScholarship Specialistat its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, and integrity creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Essential functions (job duties): POSITION PURPOSE The Scholarship Specialist is responsible for administering and participating in the university-wide private scholarship awards process and selection. Reconciles administrative, operational and funding processes. Collaborates with relevant external and internal stakeholders including University Development Office professionals, College Deans and their administrative teams to monitor and report the expenditures of institutional scholarships funds budget. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Lead the university-wide scholarship award selection process. Provide relevant information pertaining to scholarship applicants and nominees and bring panelists to a consensus in selecting award recipients. Apply extensive institutional knowledge and governing laws in selecting awardees. Ensure department and university compliance with federal financial aid regulations in awarding and disbursing scholarship aid, particularly in situations when estimated financial assistance and external and institutional aid are present. Analyze endowed, institutional and external scholarship funding and reconcile funds as needed. Monitor and report the expenditures of institutional scholarships funds budget. Coordinate with cashier’s office to award external scholarship funds to awardees. Act as a scholarship subject matter expert, providing essential information and data for relevant stakeholders, including current and potential students, development officers, external agencies or foundations, and internal university financial aid office professionals. Analyze student financial aid scholarship appeals, considering all factors including changing and/or extenuating circumstances of the students. Resolve the appeals ensuring that individual-level student outcomes balance with group and organization-level university institutional financial aid budgets. Partner with communications coordinator to ensure communications relating to scholarships are timely and accurate. Analyze Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid’s scholarships systems and methodology; identify opportunities for improvement and lead improvement initiatives. Perform related tasks as assigned. Unique duties: Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in social sciences, humanities, communications, business administration, information systems/information technology or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum two years’ experience working with scholarship selection processes and methodologies. Knowledge of state and federal laws governing private scholarships and familiar with federal financial aid regulations. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both verbally and in writing. Strong electronic communication skills. Ability to compare, contrast and quality check work with a keen attention to detail. Strong analytical skills including critical thinking and problem solving skills. Able to read, adapt and implement changes to comply with new laws and program guidelines. Proficient in the use of Banner or similar software and Microsoft Office tools including Excel and Project Management/SMARTSHEETS, Salesforce, or other CRM systems. Skilled in identifying methods to anticipate student needs, developing ways to address and implement changing regulations, and working with other staff to improve services. Must be well organized; comfortable with math and technology. Ability to balance several priorities at a time, assess workflow and make adjustments. Preferred qualifications: School/College/Division: H92 - VP Student Affairs Primary department: H9247 - Student Financial Aid (H9247) Employment type: + Regular Employee + Job type: Full Time + Job category: Staff/Administrative Funding/salary information: + Compensation type: Annual Salary + Hourly rate: + Salary minimum: TBD + Salary hire maximum: TBD Working conditions: Normal office environment Job openings: + Number of openings: 1 + Reposted position: No + Reposted reason: None (New Requisition) + Prior posting/requisition number: Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required. Equal employment opportunity statement: Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, height, weight, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.