Pell Grant Coordinator

Job Description

The Pell Grant Coordinator is a newly created full-time position established to support expanded federal aid access under Workforce Pell initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, this role is responsible for the accurate administration, reconciliation, and reporting of Federal Pell Grant funds for both curriculum and eligible continuing education (CE) students. The position plays a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance, resolving discrepancies, and supporting student success by guiding CE students through the financial aid process.

A standard office environment can be expected with periodic peak workload periods tied to aid disbursement cycles and reporting deadlines. Primary placement will be at the LL Polk Campus in Polkton and OCH Campus in Monroe placement may allow for 1-2 remote workdays per week.

Comprehensive Benefits Package to include health insurance with the NC State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, retirement benefits through the NC Retirement System, Paid Time Off, and a supplemental cafeteria plan.

Essential Duties Summary

Pell Grant Administration

• Administer Federal Pell Grant awards for curriculum and eligible continuing education programs.
• Review student eligibility, monitor enrollment levels, and ensure accurate awarding and disbursement.
• Adjust enrollment statuses in Colleague to maintain compliance with federal regulations.

Reconciliation & Reporting

• Perform monthly reconciliation of Pell funds with the Business Office.
• Export Pell records to the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between institutional records and COD data.

Compliance & Issue Resolution

• Resolve Pell rejects and discrepancies within COD in a timely manner.
• Manage and resolve POP (Potential Overpayment) situations.
• Return uncashed credit balance funds to the U.S. Department of Education in accordance with federal timelines.
• Ensure compliance with all Title IV regulations and institutional policies.

Student Support & Advising

• Serve as a primary point of contact for continuing education students regarding financial aid.
• Provide hands-on guidance through the FAFSA process and Pell eligibility requirements.
• Educate students on maintaining eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, and enrollment requirements.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Business Office, Registrar, and Continuing Education departments to ensure accurate reporting and student support.
• Assist in developing processes and procedures related to Workforce Pell implementation.
• Participate in audits, program reviews, and internal compliance monitoring.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree.
• 2+ years of experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs, particularly Pell Grant regulations.
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., Colleague) and COD reporting preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience working with continuing education or workforce development programs.
• Familiarity with reconciliation processes and federal reporting requirements.