Job Description

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at

www.nait.ca/careers

Please Note: This is a temporary position ending on or before October 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Please Note: This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

NAIT is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and experienced individual(s) with a passion for helping students achieve their post-secondary education goals. The position is a temporary, full-time opportunity as a Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) Specialist.



Reporting to the SAFA Coordinator, the team of five SAFA Specialists is responsible for the organization, administration and operation of the Student Awards and Financial Aid portfolio, valued at $70 million. Key responsibilities include ensuring student awards are awarded based on established criteria and in alignment with policies and procedures and government student aid is administered in accordance with federal and provincial/territorial legislation and regulations. The Specialist also develops key partnerships with stakeholders across NAIT and government to provide optimal financial support for student success. This position regularly communicates and collaborates with the government officials, NAIT academic colleagues, and students at all stages of their NAIT journey.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative

Exercise considerable judgment in the interpretation of student aid legislation and regulation to determine most appropriate method to meet portfolio objectives around compliant administration of student aid including, but not limited to, federal and provincial/territorial confirmation of registration processes, administration of the foundational learning grant, payment plans, other government or third-party funding agencies. Exercise considerable judgment in the interpretation of award criteria, policies and procedures in developing and adapting student award adjudication processes to meet portfolio objectives including (but not limited to) assessing, shortlisting, selecting and awarding. Responsible for the development and recommendation of changes to established policies and procedures, in consultation with Coordinator and Manager. Exercise considerable judgment in the resolution of administrative, systems and/or student issues and problems. Consult with internal and external stakeholders, such as Advanced Education and various NAIT departments, regarding individual students experiencing unusual circumstances and cases that require additional support or approval. Provides information and guidance to staff and students regarding application processes, funding options, student aid policy across multiple modalities, including presentation of group information sessions.

Education and Research

Maintain knowledge and currency of government student aid legislation, regulations, and best practice in student aid administration with a view to accuracy and to identify gaps and propose improvements. Maintain knowledge and currency of best practice in student award administration. Conduct special studies relevant to portfolio objectives for presentation to leadership. Maintain knowledge and currency of the use of systems (e.g., PeopleSoft-Campus Solutions, Blackbaud Award Management, and government student aid systems). Actively participate in departmental information sessions. Engage in continual process improvement

Develop and Maintain Partnerships

Develop key partnerships and collaborate with NAIT and government stakeholders to provide creative, responsive and targeted student financial support and programming to a diverse student body, including participating in campus events. Liaise with NAIT academic departments regarding the administration of student awards and student aid at NAIT. Support the implementation of SAFA strategies with key stakeholders.

Compliance, Tracking, and Reporting

Administer student awards in accordance with terms outlined in donor gift agreements or government grant agreements, and in compliance with pertinent legislation, regulations, and policies. Timely and accurate record keeping (e.g., recording advising notes). Support the collection and validation of SAFA data.

Projects and Other

Participate in variety of recruitment, student events such as Open House, Program Information Sessions, and Student Service Fairs. Participate in enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects and other special projects. Roles could include serving as a subject matter expert or user acceptance tester. Refer applicants to other University resources and departments as appropriate. Identify and recommend new or revised procedure where efficiencies can be optimized.

Skills & Abilities:

Advanced interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with a variety of students/clients and stakeholders, including government officials. Ability to perform intermediate-level tasks using student enterprise applications (e.g., PeopleSoft-Campus Solutions) Ability to perform intermediate- to advance-level tasks using Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Google, and other software applications. Ability to understand, interpret and apply NAIT policies and procedures. Ability to understand, interpret and apply government (federal and provincial/territorial) student aid, sponsorship, and grant legislation and regulations, as well as Alberta Foundational Learning and Skills Development Assistance policy and procedures. Demonstrated knowledge of student award best practice, policy and procedures. Ability to process large volumes of work and meet deadlines. Aptitude for accuracy and thoroughness. Highly effective time management and prioritizing tasks with limited supervision. Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment. Advanced research skills and the ability to synthesize and summarize information using a variety of information sources to come to a decision. Ability to understand and engage portfolio strategy and objectives, as well as, broadly understand of overall key results and objectives of NAIT. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, deadline driven environment. Demonstrated commitment to service excellence.

Qualifications:

A related post-secondary diploma. An undergraduate baccalaureate degree is preferred. A minimum of one-year experience in an administrative environment in program evaluation. Experience in post-secondary institution, preferably in student financial aid and awards or registrar's office considered strong assets. Experience administrating government student aid, Foundational Learning, and institutional awards and working knowledge of PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and Blackbaud Awards Management systems are considered an asset. Equivalences may be considered

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Remuneration

: $55,138.46 - $72,519.72 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification - Admin Officer I).



This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

In addition to a resume, candidates must provide a cover letter that clearly identifies why they are interested in working in post-secondary education and briefly explains how their existing skills and experience relate to the position. Applications without this information will not be considered.

About NAIT

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT's culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.



People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.



NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.




NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at careers@nait.ca.




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