Student Awards

Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) is looking for a strategic, adaptable, and collaborative team player to act as a key resource to the NAIT community in the area of student awards and financial aid. SAFA is responsible for the administration and management of government student funding and student awards for NAIT. SAFA ensures compliance to funding authority regulations and policy, as well as established donor award criteria. As a strategic partner in program and student success, SAFA works closely with the NAIT community, students, and Government of Alberta.

Reporting to the Student Awards & Financial Aid Coordinator, the SAFA Specialist is responsible for the organization, administration and operation of the Student Awards and Financial Aid portfolio, valued at $70 million. Key responsibilities include ensuring awards, scholarships, and bursaries are awarded based on established criteria in alignment with the Student Awards & Financial Aid portfolio's strategic and operational objectives, ensuring that government student aid is administered within the bounds of policy, regulation and legislation, development of key partnerships with stakeholders across NAIT to provide optimal financial support for student success. This position regularly communicates and collaborates with the government officials, NAIT program areas, and students at all stages of their NAIT journey. The incumbent is responsible for the planning & implementation of new processes for the effective administration of student awards and financial aid. The SAFA Specialist must be adaptable and comfortable with change and, within the scope of their role, bring forward suggestions for improvements to business processes and contribute solutions that will satisfy multiple stakeholders.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Exercise considerable judgment in the interpretation of award criteria, legislation, regulation in developing and adapting portfolio processes and procedures to meet portfolio objectives including (but not limited to) assessing, shortlisting and selecting scholarships, bursaries, awards, prizes, grants, emergency funding and payment plans according to terms outlined in NAIT policy/procedure, donor gift agreements or government grant agreements;
- Exercise considerable judgment in the interpretation of student aid policy, legislation, regulation in developing and adapting portfolio processes and procedures to meet portfolio objectives including (but not limited to) federal/provincial/territorial confirmation of registration processes, administration of the foundational learning grant, payment plans and other government or third-party funding agencies;
- Provide individualized and context appropriate information and guidance to current students with respect to student awards and financial aid;
- Maintain knowledge and currency of policy, regulation, legislation and best practice in student aid administration and best practice in student award administration with a view to accuracy to identify gaps and propose solutions;
- Develop key partnerships and collaboration with NAIT stakeholders to provide creative, responsive, and targeted student financial support and programming to a diverse student body, including participating in events.

**Skills & Abilities**:

- Detailed knowledge of Student Aid and Foundational Learning programs and policy, Student Awards process as well as NAIT programs and services;
- Ability to effectively manage complexity to identify pertinent policy, causal factors, related impacts, risks and a range of effective solutions;
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills are required to interact with a variety of clients/stakeholders, in formal and informal situations;
- Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills utilized when reviewing processes, identifying gaps, and making recommendations;
- Capacity to organize and prioritize projects and activities, and adapt to ongoing changes and deadlines;
- Ability to work as a team member, building collaborative working relationships;

**Qualifications**:

- Related Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum 1 year experience working in a post-secondary environment required.
- Previous experience in the administration of student awards and/or financial aid is an asset.
- Equivalencies may be considered.

**Remuneration**: $2,089.37 - $2,748.00 biweekly, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification - Administrative Officer I).
- This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement._

**Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.**

**About NAIT**

At NAIT, people matter.

We’re proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 12 consecutive years. Developing an engaging, supportive, and rewarding work culture is something we take seriously. We know that people are our biggest asset - they are what makes NAIT a great place to work.

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