Grant & Scholarship Support Assistant

Tennessee Higher Education Commission

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), a state agency located in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, seeks a Grant & Scholarship Support Assistant.

THEC’s Student Aid & Compliance division administers a variety of need-based and merit programs, including the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) Program, the Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship (TELS) Programs, and TN Promise Scholarship. Additional information about these programs may be found at www.collegefortn.org.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Lottery Scholarship Programs, the Support Assistant is a member of the Student Aid & Compliance Bureau of THEC. Primary duties include the processing of daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual reports necessary for managing the data system in the administration of grant and scholarship programs. This position will be responsible for the processing of mail received to support the return of grant and scholarship payments from colleges and periodic loan forgiveness payments from borrowers. The position will also be responsible for approximately 15 hours weekly in our call center, assisting with other programs within the bureau, corresponding effectively with stakeholders, and other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and two or more years of experience in administering financial aid programs. Education may be substituted for experience at management’s discretion. Essential characteristics include attention to detail, effective customer service, ability to work well under pressure, work as a team player and excellent oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work in the Nashville office at least 3 days per week in this role.

Salary for this Executive Service position will depend on education and experience and will range from $60,000 to $65,000. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references on the form found at https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/resume_submission. Your submission materials may be copied and pasted into the form or attached in a .txt format. While electronic submission through the link above is preferred, written submissions may also be sent to:

David Heithcock, HR Director

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 9th Floor

Nashville, Tennessee 37243

_________________________________________________________________________________

Financial Aid Support Associate

•  Nashville, Tennessee, United States

•  Staff

•  Staff Full-Time

•  Closing on: Mar 23 2026

Title: Financial Aid Support Associate

Employee Classification: 

Institution: System Office

Department: Office of Strategic Enrollment Management

Campus Location:

Job Summary

The Service Center at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) supports the System Office, Community Colleges, and Technical Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) within the following functional areas: Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Student, and Financial Aid. The financial aid service area of the Service Center supports financial aid administration functions at the TCATs as well as Community Colleges. The position is a member of the shared services team reporting to the Office of Strategic Enrollment Management.

The Financial Aid Support Associate, Student Services is responsible for ensuring all state aid financial aid processing functions are provided in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with all applicable institutional, TBR, state, and federal regulations, policies, and guidelines. In consultation with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Chief Financial Aid Officer, Service Center Financial Aid Director, and campus staff, this position administers state aid programs and other financial aid related functions for a partnering university. The Service Center Financial Aid Support Associate works closely with the institutions of the TBR system and is expected to provide a high level of customer service to all institutions served.

This position may have the opportunity to work remotely within the state of Tennessee but with periodic visits to the TBR System Office (Nashville, TN) at the employee’s expense, and potential travel to a college may be necessary.

Job Duties

• 75% - Financial Aid • Administer all state aid programs, to include the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, etc. • Assist in interpreting new policies and how these policies will affect Banner set up • State aid packaging processes • Process daily financial aid workflows • Process withdrawals and returns of state aid • Reconcile financial aid accounts • Maintain adequate financial aid records • Review student progress and continuing eligibility for state financial aid • Assist the Associate Vice Chancellor Service Center Financial Aid Director and campus staff with other Banner state financial aid maintenance as directed - (Essential)
• 10% - Customer Service • Field university employee state financial aid related questions and research financial aid transaction processing concerns • Work cooperatively and effectively with other college and TBR Central Office departments • Communicate to employees and administration regarding state financial aid related issues and solutions - (Essential)
• 10% - Reporting • Collaborate with the Office of Academic Affairs, Policy and Strategy, and Information Technology to initiate and compile required reports as well as ad hoc reports, as necessary • Oversee the submission of data to TSAC/THEC • Assist in the preparation of all necessary TBR and state financial aid related reports - (Essential)
• 5% - Other Duties • Perform additional duties as assigned - (Marginal)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related work experience OR an Associate’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of related work experience OR a comparable combination of education and experience
  Experience working in financial aid in a technical college, community college, university setting or system
  Knowledge of state financial aid programs such as Tennessee Student Assistance Award, Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship, etc.
  Ability to plan, organize, and solve complex and routine tasks simultaneously
  Experience with Banner or similar ERP system
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within a shared service operating environment
  Experience or training in Windows operating system and Microsoft Office 365 applications
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of college or university financial aid processing and reporting requirements
  Broad knowledge of federal and state laws and guidelines
  A willingness and passion to learn new hardware and software systems that are consistent with duties
  Ability to effectively analyze data and inquiries, think critically, and make appropriate decisions
  Effective organizational and time management skills
  Ability to work as part of a team or work alone without close supervision
  Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
  Ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance rules and regulations, including HIPAA and FERPA guidelines on the disclosure of information

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Title: Director of Financial Aid

Institution: Volunteer State Community College

Job Summary:

Provide strategic leadership, oversight and administration of all federal, state and institutional programs. Ensure the accurate, efficient and compliant delivery of student aid to support access, affordability and successful completion. The Director oversees daily operations, supervises professional and support staff, manages budgets, monitors regulatory changes, and maintains accountability for Title IV and state aid programs.

Job Duties:

Responsible for budget management within the Office of Financial Aid. Manage awarding, disbursing, and reconciliation of all financial aid funds. Prepare and submit annual Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP); compile and submit semester and year end reconciliation rosters for all federal and state aid programs. Review special circumstance requests submitted by students and render professional judgment decisions based on individual circumstances while adhering to federal regulations. Develop policies, procedures, and processes to effectively implement new aid programs and required changes in existing programs. Responsible for the efficient and effective daily administrative and organizational functions of the Office of Financial Aid. Develop and disseminate financial aid written material, supervision of attendance reporting and aid adjustment. Attend local, state, regional and national financial aid conferences and workshops as necessary to ensure compliance with respective guidelines and regulations. Provide administrative leadership for a comprehensive financial aid program providing federal, state, and institutional financial assistance to students. Establish and implement competent measurements for reviewing programs to determine program effectiveness. Evaluate, and provide professional development and current training for exempt and non-exempt personnel; execute various personnel actions. Work closely with other campus departments and external agencies in order to provide quality service to students. Handle the release of confidential information and assure proper documentation of student financial aid records. Oversee satisfactory academic progress business processes. Ensure the college meets all requirements related to Student Consumer Information and the College Financing Plan. Respond to all federal and state audit inquiries related to financial aid. Resolve student financial aid issues and complaints as they arise. Oversee processes of program participation for eligibility of federal student aid. Supplement student recruitment and retention efforts by services offered through financial aid including the implementation and management of a financial aid related communication plan and series of outreach events in cooperation with other areas of the College. Be proactive in identifying and implementing efficiencies in the use of Banner and Slate Financial Aid for processing, awarding and disbursing financial aid. Establish and implement short and long term goals for the use of technology in operation of the various financial aid processes. Develop and manage a precise system of internal controls and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of proposed and current federal and state legislation as well as local modifications to curricula and informs Senior Leadership of all changes that may impact all financial aid programs and student enrollment. Manages Institutional Scholarships including Athletic Scholarships ensuring the scholarships align with TBR and NJCAA rules and regulations. Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree.
4 years of supervisory experience in Financial Aid administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong computer literacy and accounting skills.
Management of business process improvements.
Supervisory experience, including hiring, training, evaluating and developing staff.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and customer service skills.

Pay Rate: $68,434 - $85,542 annual salary depending on experience

Volunteer State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance:  Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in Health)
• Educational Assistance:  Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options:  State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401K with up to $50/month match, 403b, and 457
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year
• Annual Leave (if applicable)
• Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Applicants may be subject to a background check.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Specialist- Financial Aid TN Promise - Roane State Community College

Job Summary

To assist with the operation of the Financial Aid Office, provide training for processing staff regarding policy & procedures; verification of student files; awarding federal & state aid; monitor & reconcile funds. Coordinating the management of Tennessee Promise including awarding, adjusting, certifying and reconciling.

Job Duties

• Verification of student aid files.
• Process direct student loans.
• Award and disburse federal aid and state aid.
• Unusual enrollment.
• College transcripts holds.
• Transfer monitoring.
• Unreported schools monitoring.
• Reconnect backup.
• Attend training and conferences, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two years of in-depth Financial Aid experience including verification, awarding and program information.
• Experience with Banner, COD, NSLDS; FAST (formerly eGrands)
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to work independently and within team environment.
• Analytical thinking and ability to multi-task.
• Ability to present Financial Aid information at various events.

Apply Here

Financial Aid Systems Analyst - Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships - UTK

Job Description

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Financial Aid Systems Analyst position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improving the recruitment and graduation of our students. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been ranked by Forbes as one of America’s best large employers, as recognized on the 2025 list.

The minimum starting salary for this position is $59,332. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

This is a fully remote position. 

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid Systems, the Financial Aid Systems Analyst is a critical technical and analytical expert within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, supporting the University’s mission to recruit, retain, and graduate students efficiently and equitably. This position manages and enhances financial aid systems and processes to ensure accurate, compliant, and student-centered service delivery.

The Analyst is responsible for designing, developing, programming, configuring, and maintaining Ellucian Banner Financial Aid modules and integrated third-party systems, including OnBase, Dynamic Forms, Scholarship Manager, and JobX/TimesheetX or similar software and systems. The role requires advanced SQL programming, algorithm development for awarding, data validation, and analysis to support operational excellence and strategic enrollment management initiatives. This position serves as a liaison with technical teams and vendors, ensuring seamless integration, compliance, and continuous process improvement to optimize the student experience.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of experience in technical a systems support, data analysis, or financial aid systems role within higher education; OR

Associate degree and 4 years or more of direct experience in financial aid systems, SQL programming, or higher education technology. 

• Extensive experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software

• Experience with understanding and organizing data

• Experience with documenting processes and procedures

• Experience developing solutions and efficiencies in processes

• Experience with Ellucian Banner Financial Aid

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Experience with PL/SQL, ODS Oracle, Web Tailor, and file transfer programs (FTP).

• Computer programming and/or PL/SQL or other procedural language experience preferred

• Experience with higher education policies and procedures preferred

• Familiarity with the curricular approval process preferred

• Familiarity with student information systems preferred

• Advanced level of Excel knowledge

• Experience with Oracle Financial Aid, OnBase, Dynamic Forms, Scholarship Manager, and related financial aid data systems (CPS, COD, NSLDS, SAIG).

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted profession

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to manage time and responsibilities independently

• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Acute detail- and task-orientation skills

• Ability to accurately document technical processes

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment and with a wide variety of populations

• Ability and desire to research the history of context of issues for complete resolution

• Ability to discern how discrete processes are interrelated

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of computer systems documentation and forms design

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing financial aid programs is beneficial

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of enterprise reporting tools such as Argos or Tableau.

• Training or coursework in computer programming or procedural languages.

• Knowledge, experience, or training in federal financial aid regulations is beneficial.

• Ability to query data from databases.

• Knowledge, experience, or training in federal financial aid regulations is beneficial.

• Knowledge of complex relational database organization. 

 

Benefits: 

University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days

• Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members

• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods