Widener University is currently seeking a Loan Servicing Specialist/State Grant Coordinator. Reporting to the Assistant Director of University Loans/Collections, the Loan Servicing Specialist/State Grant Coordinator manages the full lifecycle of institutional and state-specific student loans and grants, ensuring accurate disbursement, compliance with federal/state regulations, and exceptional financial counseling to students. This dual-role position handles complex loan servicing tasks including repayment, cancellation, and deferment processing while simultaneously administering state grant programs, reconciling accounts, and collaborating with internal financial aid staff to optimize student funding. The position acts as a primary liaison between the University and external state agencies, maintaining accurate records and providing guidance on financial aid policies.
The Loan Servicing Specialist/State Grant Coordinator supports the full life cycle of university-based loans and manages all processes related to the PA State Grant and Special Programs. The role requires accuracy, regulatory awareness, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently while supporting students, families, and campus partners.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Student Employee Management
- Manage the full lifecycle of higher‑education loans from approval through final payoff.
- Conduct compliant collection activities aligned with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Maintain accurate borrower records and perform precise, high‑volume data entry.
- Research and resolve borrower issues with professionalism, clarity, and timely follow‑up.
State Grant Administration
- Review, update, and reconcile Pennsylvania State Grant and Special Program accounts.
- Monitor regulatory and policy changes to ensure ongoing compliance with state grant requirements.
- Certify state grant rosters, determine student eligibility, and process payments and refunds.
- Prepare and submit required reports to state agencies; support students and families with grant‑related questions.
Secondary Responsibilities:
Operational Excellence
- Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
- Interpret and follow written, verbal, diagrammatic, and scheduled instructions accurately.
- Apply sound judgment to ensure all transactions comply with Department of Education rules, banking regulations, and collection standards.
Customer & Stakeholder Support
- Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
- Deliver clear, courteous, and effective communication in both verbal and written formats.
- Provide high‑quality service to students, staff, faculty, and external partners.
- Analyze varied information to resolve practical problems and support informed decision‑making.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of Student Financial Services and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize a personal computer, applicable software, email and the Internet.
- Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions; compose routine business correspondence; perform basic mathematical computations.
- Familiarity with Windows-based computer required. Previous experience with the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word).
- Add, subtract, multiple, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Knowledge typically gained through a minimum of six-months’ experience providing customer service in a financial institution or other professional office or organization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, support and professional staff, faculty, and external constituents.
- Must be organized, flexible, and able to handle several tasks simultaneously.
- Superior interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Must process speaking and listening skills along with negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Knowledge of applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Experience with the Ellucian Colleague system.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Must be able to be seated at a computer for more than 70% of the workday.
- May occasionally be scheduled to collaborate with team members on weekend projects.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. U.S. work authorization is required.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
