Specialist, College Admissions/Scholarship

Employer: McAllen Independent School District

Location: McAllen, TX

Closing date: Sep 17, 2026

Position type: Specialist

Hours: Full-time

Employment type: Permanent

Organization type: College / University

About the role

Assist all students and parents in completing and submitting applications for college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Announce all scholarship availabilities and recruit qualified students. Engage in an aggressive search of scholarship possibilities via the Internet, community, and businesses.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification: Master’s Degree in Education or related field (preferred); Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or related field (required); Licensed School counselor, School Social Worker, Counselor, or Social Worker (required).
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Effective public relations/communication skills; open‑minded to scholarship opportunities for all students regardless of academic achievement and economic background; flexibility to meet needs of parents/students with extended working hours; well‑versed and competent in computer accessing skills.
• Experience: Experience in the area of financial aid (preferred); three (3) years experience working with secondary students (required).

Responsibilities

• Solicit and secure scholarship information.
• Advise students about alternative sources of funding (scholarships, work‑study, grants, loans, investments).
• Conduct research into alternative funding sources for students who do not qualify for financial aid and/or scholarships.
• Organize and conduct financial aid workshops for students, parents, staff, and counselors, emphasizing timeliness.
• Assist parents/students in completing and submitting financial aid forms to appropriate organizations.
• Disseminate financial aid information via local newspapers, newsletters, and other media.
• Coordinate planning of campus college and financial aid nights.
• Conduct training seminars and workshops in financial aid for staff and community.
• Work with administrators, counselors, and teachers to provide orientation for students on financial aid.
• Organize and conduct small‑group presentations with parents, students, and community to demystify the financial aid process.
• Assist campus staff in writing effective letters of recommendation for students.
• Serve as liaison between students and universities, community colleges, technical/vocational schools, and the military.
• Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce, businesses, and other organizations to secure local scholarships.
• Log and track students who have applied for financial aid.
• Compile and publish a list of all local, state, and national scholarships for use by students, parents, counselors, and teachers.
• Log and track students awarded scholarships for senior awards ceremonies and future evaluations.
• Follow‑up on the effectiveness of the financial aid program.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.

Equipment Used

• Computer
• Copier
• Adding machine
• Fax machine
• Multimedia equipment
• Software
• Access to Internet

Working Conditions

• Mental demands: Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Physical demands/environmental factors: Frequent district and occasional statewide travel; repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; prolonged hours.

Pay

Daily Rate: $317.01

• Minimum: $317.01
• Midpoint: $379.65
• Maximum: $442.29

Starting pay for a new hire in a pay‑range plan will be determined individually based on job‑related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.