Financial Awards Specialist

Duties:

VIU is seeking a talented, highly organized, experienced professional to administer more than four million dollars in scholarships, awards, and bursaries on behalf of the Financial Aid and Awards department.
Reporting to the Director of Student Services, the Financial Awards Specialist (FAS) tracks, reviews, communicates and distributes approved awards as well as maintains the on-line award profile application to ensure that all award criteria parameters are accurate and current.

This role is part of a team that supports students who rely on scholarships, awards, and bursaries to supplement their funding while at VIU. In this way, the FAS must be a team player with a proven track record of meeting crucial deadlines coupled with an exceptional eye for detail.

The FAS maintains regular contact with the Advancement and Alumni Office, Accounting Services, faculty members, and the broader Student Services team.

Additional duties include:

• presents to students in-person (at recruitment events, new student orientation, and classroom visits) the importance of completing the scholarships, awards, and bursaries profile
• collaborates with VIU's marketing team to ensure scholarships, awards, and bursaries are advertised through our various social media channels
• communicates with departments for awards and scholarships that are selected by faculty, specifically award availability, student eligibility, and award amounts
• remains current in the sector on all aspects of scholarships, awards, and bursaries
• makes recommendations to the Director on any changes or enhancements to scholarships, awards, or bursaries that would increase retention and/or make VIU more competitive in the sector; this includes any operational changes with respect to IT systems or processes
• participates in the Awards Selection Committee to answer questions so that the committee can make the awards decisions
• provides relief support for other roles in the department, including front reception
• produces reports and statistics for the Director as required

Required Qualifications:

Two-year post-secondary diploma related to business or accounting, or equivalent, from an appropriately accredited institution. Five years of recently related experience, including experience in the post-secondary sector. Experience in overseeing and reconciling emergency and access funds. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Senior-level MS Office using Excel formulas and data-sorting, ability to perform high-volume document merges, along with web-page maintenance skills. 50 wpm typing speed. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to deal with a wide variety of people with tact, diplomacy, and patience.

Ability to work independently and efficiently to meet the numerous demands and deadlines, as well as in a team. Ability to be flexible and adaptive to changing priorities. close attention to detail. Demonstrated skill in managing and interpreting budgets, including the ability to review information, follow instructions, and accurately disburse funds. Ability to multitask and switch gears as situations arise. Demonstrated confidence with technology. Respects and supports diversity in the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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