Program Aide

Responsibilities

• Support management of grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs and serve as a daily contact for all inquiries, providing technical guidance and assistance with program operations.
• Handle other scholarship programs as assigned.
• Draft well-crafted responses and address inquiries regarding awards and programs from constituents, partners, and interested parties.
• Liaise with various agency program staff, including HESC’s digital team, outreach staff, call center, and other state and local partners.
• Work with awardees to obtain signed contracts and monitor their status.
• Update the Scholarships database, manage reporting requirements, and maintain up-to-date metrics related to programs.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors, Program Manager, Division Directors, Vice President of Grants and Scholarships, Executive VP, and other staff, and create presentations for management and stakeholders as needed.
• Participate in formulating recommendations for reporting, tracking, managing programs, and resolving issues, and coordinate resolution of findings and implementation of modifications.
• Draft communications to awardees and colleges.
• Collaborate with ITS and the Grants and Scholarships team to ensure HESC databases collect relevant data from schools on participant enrollment and issue payments.
• Compile data as requested for supervisors and division management.
• Work with Division management to implement changes to workflow, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Supervise clerical employees by prioritizing work assignments, ensuring efficient workflow, and training and evaluating staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two years of experience performing clerical, keyboarding, or paraprofessional work in an office environment.
• A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge or experience working with financial aid programs for higher education.
• Familiarity with post-secondary education requirements, options, application procedures, and admission requirements.
• Experience working with a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong listening skills.
• Strong interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Commitment to the value of higher education.

This position may be eligible for 55b/c designation, and candidates with 55b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. Candidates must possess the minimum qualifications and a current 55b/c eligibility letter.

Benefits

Generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off:
  • Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually, plus two (2) floating holidays.
  • Up to thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave annually.
  • Up to five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
  • Up to thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for CSEA or PEF; up to eight (8) days for M/C.
  • Up to three (3) days of professional leave annually for professional development.
• Health Care Benefits:
  • Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
  • Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• Additional Benefits:
  • New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) membership.
  • Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • And many more.

Schedule

Initially, positions will work full-time in the office. A hybrid telecommuting schedule of up to 50% remote work can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview.