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Working Title:

Management Analyst 2 - Loan Specialist

Institution:

Bemidji State University

Classification Title:

Management Analyst 2

Bargaining Unit / Union:

214: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

City:

Bemidji

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Classified - Unlimited

Salary Range:

$25.67 - $37.26

Job Description

**Bemidji State University (BSU)** **and** **Northwest Technical College** **(NTC)** invite applicants to join our team as a **Loan Specialist** . The Loan Specialist will administer, process and reconcile all federal, state, and private student and parent loans. Under limited supervision, this position will determine students’ loan eligibility within federal and state regulations to accurately process and report loan disbursements totaling over $17 million dollars per year. The individual in this position will complete all Return to Title IV (R2T4) loan adjustments and returns to ensure federal and state compliance. This position requires excellent communication skills and attention to detail to work with outside agencies to resolve loan issues, reconciliation concerns, reaffirmation, default resolution, address student and parent questions and concerns, and exchange data with federal and private loan processors utilizing multiple databases and software programs. The processing of financial aid applicants pursuing coursework for teacher licensure, as well as additional program students (those with an undergraduate degree) will be processed by this position (reviewing edits, communication to students, document review, loan certification and loan reporting). The individual in this position is responsible for creating and implementing departmental procedures to ensure that the Federal and State regulations are followed to meet student, institutional, and governmental requirements.

Responsibilities of the Loan Specialist** **include:

+ Administering the processing and reconciliation of all student and parent loans (Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, Graduate PLUS, SELF, and Private Educational) in accordance with Federal, State, and Institutional guidelines for BSU and NTC. ( **Percent of Time: 40** %)

+ Developing, communicating, interpreting, and implementing processes and procedures related to student borrowing in accordance with federal, state and college policies – differentiating the needs between a University and 2-year Technical College. Reviewing processes regularly to continually make improvements.

+ Calculating a student’s loan eligibility according to Federal, State, and private lender guidelines and utilizing resources such as the federal Common Origination and Disbursement System (COD), the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS), the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), and ISRS so that all facets of the loan programs including origination and disbursement records, Master Promissory Notes, Entrance Counseling, and loan amount reductions and cancellations are received, reported, reviewed, and resolved with minimum problems or discrepancies.

+ Serving as a loan content expert to answer questions from students, parents, staff, and other stakeholders by utilizing knowledge of regulations and policies governing the student loan programs. Reviewing and creating communication related to loans and student borrowing for clarity, including the website and the student portal.

+ Corresponding orally, by letter or via email with borrowers, Federal Student Aid (FSA)/U.S. Department of Education, State of Minnesota, private lenders, and guarantee agencies regarding loans, cancellation, refunds, reconciliation, revision and payments.

+ Responsible for monthly and year-end reconciliation of all loan records with the Business Services Office, Department of Education, State of Minnesota, and private loan agencies for two schools.

+ Monitoring and implementing fulfillment of all loan exit interview regulatory requirements, and informing borrowers of their privileges and obligations.

+ Resolving all loan discrepancies, monitoring records of all loan disbursements and refunds, and compiling data for audits and internal compliance reviews.

+ Monitoring and resolving financial aid tracking system edits related to NSLDS data, such as aggregate loan limits, default, overpayment, loan discharge, and Transfer Monitoring. This requires extensive knowledge of Federal Loan eligibility requirements and the ability to develop and implement office policies and procedures in alignment with these regulatory requirements.

+ Managing and processing awards and award adjustments for student loan programs submitted by staff and/or as generated by batch processes, i.e. over-awards, 3rd party funding, cost budgets, special circumstances, and R2T4/withdrawals for two institutions. **(** **Percent of Time: 15%)**

+ Analyzing and interpreting the accuracy of award revision and initial entry indicated on award change form and computer record: Resolving errors, if any, or by consultation with staff members.

+ Processing and maintaining student records of loan funds reasons of returns, i.e., timeline limitations, over awards, etc.

+ Coordinating and facilitating Aid Apply processes for student loans according to established schedules or as individual cases require. Prioritizing, scheduling and completing processes to distribute Federal, State and private loans on scheduled aid applied process dates for both schools. ( **Percent of Time: 15%)**

+ Facilitating disbursement of timely and accurate student loan awards.

+ Revising and resolving items produced as a result of aid applied.

+ Checking student loan disbursements to ensure accuracy and satisfactory enrollment.

+ Reviewing and resolving diagnostic messages on Aid Applied reports run on a twice weekly basis for each school.

+ Facilitating and assisting in the electronic exchange procedures of data as programs require, which include Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Federal Parent and Graduate PLUS Loans (USDOE), Minnesota Self Loan Program (MOHE), and private student loans (Scholarnet).

+ Processing and awarding financial aid applicants pursuing courses required for teacher licensure and Additional Program students (prior bachelor’s degree). **(** **Percent of Time: 15%)**

+ Reviewing and resolving tracking edits, making necessary corrections to student FAFSAs in order to properly award student loans.

+ Certifying loans and making corrections in COD so loans are accurately reflected. Completing necessary coding for the aid applied process to work correctly.

+ Analyzing processes to improve workflow, design and implementing new processes and coordinating with Graduate Admission so that coding in Admissions accurately reflects the program the student is completing.

+ Providing administrative and technical support to the financial aid program administrators and office operations as needed. **(** **Percent of Time: 15%)**

+ Monitoring, following up, and resolving assigned application tracking edits for appropriate processing.

+ Providing applicant problem resolution support determining the nature of the problem and either resolving the problem or referring to the appropriate staff member. Problems are often complex in nature and require detailed information and research.

+ Providing customer service information to internal and external clientele as needed. All customer service/student information provided must be disseminated within the guidelines of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This may include covering incoming phone calls and general office email support.

+ Coordinating the imaging of all student loan program reports and application records.

+ Utilizing ImageNow workflow and document imaging functions as well as ISRS Financial Aid module messaging/commenting and documenting control screens for student file processing and maintenance.

+ Assisting with ad hoc projects that require staff resources beyond routine assigned responsibilities, as identified and requested by department management team.

Salary Range:

Depends on Qualifications; current pay range is $25.67 – $37.26 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

+ One (1) year of full-time work experience in student financial aid or related technical, highly audited and regulated environment OR a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience OR an Associate’s Degree in a related field may substitute for six months of experience.

+ Ability to demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills needed to interact with courtesy, respect, and professionalism with individuals of varying educational levels and diverse backgrounds to provide positive experience working with the Financial Aid Office.

+ Effective written and verbal communication skills sufficient to participate in discussions, create policy and procedure documents and communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.

+ Work experience that demonstrates strong attention to detail sufficient to analyze applications, data, and numbers to avoid errors and ensure accuracy in one’s own work and in the work of others.

Preferred Qualification

+ Two (2) years of experience in student financial aid or related technical, highly audited and regulated environment.

+ Experience working with Integrated Student Records System (ISRS), Document Imaging Systems and/or workflows, the Department of Education’s NSLDS and COD systems, and ScholarNet.

+ Experience analyzing data and using results to inform/create policies and procedures for administration of aid programs.

+ Knowledge of financial aid programs and administration sufficient to interpret, understand, and explain complex State and Federal regulations governing financial aid programs to students, staff, and other stakeholders.

+ Ability to fully utilize multiple complex and varied technology systems with little or no supervision.

+ Proficiency in Power BI for data visualization, report building and dashboard creation.

+ Experience working with Microsoft Access for data management and developing queries.

+ A demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Physical Factors

+ Communicating effectively with customers/stakeholders.

+ Maintaining a stationary position for long periods of time.

+ Positioning self to move, ascend, descend, traverse.

Other Requirements

+ All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of an offer of employment. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H1-B sponsorship at this time.

+ Official transcript(s) must be provided to Human Resources upon hire.

+ Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), which can be found at https://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor/mape.jsp

+ In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MinnState) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, faculty and staff driving on college/university business, who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to complete a vehicle Use Agreement form and conform to MinnState's vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check annually.

+ BSU and NTC are tobacco free workplaces (see policy) (https://www.bemidjistate.edu/commtobacco-free/) .

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

UNIVERSITY / COMMUNITY

WHY BEMIDJI:

It’s more than a job. It’s an opportunity for the extraordinary.

_On the idyllic shores of Lake Bemidji, cradled among the limitless natural beauty of the North Woods and neighbored by Minnesota’s three largest Indigenous nations, Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College offer opportunities for the extraordinary._

Bemidji State University has been ranked as one of the top 30 public institutions in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report each year since 2019. BSU offers its diverse student body a comprehensive spectrum of opportunities with nearly 120 undergraduate degrees and emphasis areas in more than 50 areas of study, 14 pre-professional programs, and 14 graduate programs and certificates.

As Bemidji State continues its second century of service, our vision is simple: we educate people to lead inspired lives. To achieve this, BSU centers diversity, equity and inclusion as a core value and strives to create a campus culture in which all members are free to be their authentic selves. BSU also proactively engages with Indigenous communities in northern Minnesota and nationwide toward its goal of becoming a destination university.

Northwest Technical College, one of only three pure technical colleges remaining in Minnesota, helps around 1,000 students align their education with their employment goals. NTC offers more than three dozen certificates, diplomas, and degrees in five career paths. For more than 50 years, NTC has prepared students for fulfilling careers in well-paying, in-demand fields. NTC's accessible, affordable, hands-on programs also help employers meet their ever-growing need for a highly skilled workforce. With an open-enrollment policy and affordable tuition, NTC meets students where they are with a convenient mix of on-campus, online, and hybrid courses.

BSU and NTC are members of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, the third-largest system of higher education institutions in the United States. The schools share a unique alignment, with administration and student services generally having dual responsibilities to serve both campuses. Through this alignment, NTC students can take advantage of services, support, activities, and opportunities at BSU that expand and enhance their college experience — such as full access to BSU’s library and the ability to live in BSU’s on-campus resident housing.

For the first time, a joint strategic planning process will guide the future directions for both institutions. The schools are pursuing four shared strategic priorities: student success, the Nisidotaading initiative, northern distinction, and telling our story. These priorities will serve as the foundations for master planning processes for facilities, academic programs, fundraising, information technology, intercollegiate athletics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, among others.

The Nisidotaading initiative — named for an Ojibwe phrase meaning “building mutual understanding” — is creating a statewide center of excellence. It will develop communities of practice meant to help Minnesota State colleges and universities better educate their campus communities on historical trauma and lived experiences of their Indigenous populations, and how to most effectively guide Indigenous students toward their educational goals. In addition, BSU is the first university in the United States to expose all of its students to a course on Indigenous people before graduation.

Bemidji State University acknowledges that it is located on land and water that is the current and ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe and Dakota. We acknowledge the painful history of genocide, forced assimilation, and efforts to alienate the Indigenous inhabitants from their territory here. We honor and respect the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land, retained tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural resilience. Indigenous people are spiritual and physical caretakers of this land to which we all belong. Bemidji State University respects these sacred lands, stands with the community members from these Nations, and will fight injustice in all its forms.

At Minnesota State, the work we do is more than just a job. In their pursuit of purpose, connection, and growth, our employees play a critical role on our campuses. They develop policies, provide essential services, and work to improve the well-being and quality of life for our students and for all Minnesotans. Minnesota State is committed to equity and inclusion, and we invest in our employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. **Unlock your potential through possibility.**

The City of Bemidji

Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College lie amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota. Bemidji State occupies a wooded campus along the western shore of Lake Bemidji while Northwest Technical College lies just three miles east, near Bemidji’s robust industrial district.

The city sits between Minnesota’s three largest American Indian tribal nations: the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Red Lake Nation and the White Earth Nation. When settling the Bemidji area in 1750, the Ojibwe people named the lake Bemidjigamaag, which means “a lake with crossing waters” as the Mississippi River flows in from the south and exits on the east. Today, a city proper with a population of around 15,000 serves as a regional economic and cultural hub for about 100,000 Minnesotans.

Located just minutes away from a thriving downtown Bemidji, both the BSU and NTC campus communities have convenient access to affordable restaurants, fine-dining experiences, cozy coffee shops, grocery stores — including a natural foods co-op — city parks, and nearly unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities. Small, locally-owned shops and art sculptures line Bemidji's downtown streets, while national chains are also found in and around the area. The historic Paul Bunyan Playhouse has a calendar of classic shows, restaurants offer weekly live music performances, the First Friday Art Walk provides a tour of new monthly art exhibits, and annual festivals bring the community together throughout the year.

Additionally, the North Woods setting means students, staff, and faculty have a variety of activities available at their fingertips year-round. With more than 400 lakes — and a 240-acre research forest owned by BSU — within 25 miles of the city, there is easy access to kayaking, canoeing, swimming, boating, paddle boarding, hunting, hiking, biking, foraging, fishing, and more. An expansive network of multi-use trail systems is available for running, cross-country skiing, single-track or fat-tire biking, and skijoring. Further, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing lie just north of Bemidji at the Buena Vista Ski Area.

Bemidji is also near two of Minnesota’s 66 state parks: Lake Bemidji State Park, which sits along Lake Bemidji’s northern shore, and Itasca State Park, home to the majestic Mississippi River Headwaters. Both parks are popular recreational and camping destinations where locals and tourists gather for sailing, swimming, and fishing during the summer months, and skating, hockey, curling, and—yes—more fishing in the winter.

Of course, no tour of Bemidji is complete without a visit to — and a selfie with — its two most famous residents: the iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and his trusty companion, Babe the Blue Ox. The famed duo, which has greeted visitors to Bemidji since 1937, is on the National Register of Historic Places and was once ranked by Kodak as the second most-photographed statue in America.

For further information, visit our websites at:** **http://www.bemidjistate.edu** **and** **https://www.ntcmn.edu

**Review a "special report on how this former lumber town has rebuilt itself as a high-speed, regional center of enterprise" at** Bemidji 2.0 (http://tcbmag.com/news/articles/2017/february/bemidji-2-0)

Other Resources:

+ Visit Bemidji – https://www.visitbemidji.com/

+ 218 Relocate / Greater Bemidji – https://www.218relocate.com/

+ Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce – https://www.bemidji.org/

+ Explore Minnesota – https://www.exploreminnesota.com/article/top-things-to-do-bemidji

Statement of Notice

Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College prohibit discrimination and sexual violence of any kind. Contact the Center for Civil Rights Investigation Office if you have concerns regarding discrimination and/or sexual violence. Per Minnesota State System Procedure 1B.3.1 , all universities and colleges must provide contact information of their Title IX Coordinator.

Megan Zothman, Campus Human Resources Officer & Title IX Coordinator

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Phone: (218) 755-2502

1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Deputy Hall, Room 335, Bemidji, MN 56601

_Bemidji State University / Northwest Technical College are Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employers and Educators. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service._

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date:

01-12-2026

Position End Date:

Open Date:

10-30-2025

Close Date:

11-26-2025

Posting Contact Name:

Mary Miller

Posting Contact Email:

[email protected]