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James Madison University

Customer Service Representative (Financial Aid and Scholarships)

🇺🇸 Harrisonburg, Virginia 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $40K - $42K 💻 Financial Aid 🗓️ October 24th, 2026
Higher Ed Outreach Microsoft Office

Edtech.com's Summary

James Madison University is hiring a Customer Service Representative (Financial Aid and Scholarships). The role counsels students, families, and prospective students on financial aid applications, eligibility, and federal regulations, and reviews FAFSA data and verification documents so that federal and state aid is awarded accurately. It also co-manages the office's shared mailbox and represents the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at FAFSA completion events and workshops.

Highlights
  • Counsel current and prospective students and families on financial aid applications, eligibility requirements, federal regulations, professional judgment requests, and the aid programs available to them.
  • Analyze FAFSA and ISIR data and review verification documents and tax information to confirm eligibility and keep awards compliant with federal and institutional requirements.
  • Triage Professional Judgment requests, work with students to resolve documentation discrepancies, and process award adjustments accurately under financial aid policies.
  • Co-manage the department mailbox by answering inquiries from students, families, and campus partners, and coordinate with the University Business Office, Registrar's Office, and Centennial Scholars Program.
  • Back up the OnBase Lead/Document Manager by scanning, indexing, archiving, and retrieving documents and emails in the OnBase imaging system, and train new staff on OnBase processes.
  • Act as the office's primary presenter and outreach representative at FAFSA completion events, orientations, workshops, and high school programs.
  • Strong customer service, written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are required, along with Microsoft Office proficiency and experience delivering presentations or educational outreach.
  • Full-time, overtime-eligible Education Support Specialist II position (Pay Band 3) paying $40,000 to $42,435 per year.

Customer Service Representative (Financial Aid and Scholarships) Full Description

Working Title:
Customer Service Representative
State Role Title:
Education Support Specialist II
Position Type:
Full-time Staff (Classified)
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division:
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Pay Band:
3
Pay Range:
$40,000 - $42,435

General Information
The Customer Service Representative plays a critical role in supporting students, families, and prospective students throughout the financial aid process. This position provides counseling regarding financial aid applications, eligibility requirements, federal regulations, and available aid programs. The representative analyzes student aid information to support accurate awarding of federal and state financial aid, reviews verification documentation, assists with award adjustments, and supports professional judgment processing.
This position also serves as Co-Manager of the Financial Aid departmental mailbox, ensuring timely and accurate communication with students, families, and campus partners. Additionally, the incumbent serves as the backup to the OnBase Lead/Document Manager, supporting document imaging, indexing, retrieval, and staff training. The position represents the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships through presentations, outreach activities, FAFSA completion events, and educational workshops both on and off campus.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Counsel current and prospective students and families regarding financial aid application processes, eligibility requirements, federal regulations, professional judgment requests, and available financial aid programs.
  • Analyze FAFSA and ISIR data to ensure accurate awarding of federal and state financial aid and compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Review verification documentation, tax information, and supporting materials to determine eligibility and ensure compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
  • Assist with the initial review and triage of Professional Judgment requests and work with students to resolve documentation discrepancies.
  • Process and enter financial aid award adjustments while ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial aid policies and procedures.
  • Serve as Co-Manager of the Financial Aid departmental mailbox by responding to inquiries from students, families, and campus partners in a timely and professional manner.
  • Work collaboratively with campus partners including the University Business Office, Registrar's Office, and Centennial Scholars Program to support student enrollment and success.
  • Serve as backup to the OnBase Lead/Document Manager by scanning, indexing, archiving, and retrieving documents and emails within the OnBase Imaging System.
  • Ensure student documents are appropriately matched, indexed, and available for retrieval while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Provide OnBase process training and support to new staff when needed.
  • Serve as the primary presenter and outreach representative for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at FAFSA completion events, orientations, workshops, high school programs, and campus outreach initiatives.
  • Coordinate presentation requests and deliver engaging, accurate financial aid information to students, families, faculty, staff, and community partners.
  • Participate in office strategic planning initiatives and other departmental projects as assigned.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and professionally.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to analyze information, identify discrepancies, and resolve problems effectively.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive student information.
  • Experience delivering presentations, workshops, or educational outreach programs.

Why Work at JMU?
  • Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
  • Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
  • Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
  • Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or [email protected]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.