State Programs Specialist
Location:
UWG Recruiting Location Regular/Temporary:
Regular Full/Part Time:
Full-Time Job ID:
295370 About Us
Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student‑centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post‑graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first‑choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state. Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small‑town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region. At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year‑round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award‑winning spaces, including an 18‑mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus. The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community. Invested in education with highly rated city and county K‑12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Location
Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118. Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in‑person educational experience and on‑campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses. Job Summary
The State Programs Specialist has primary responsibility for the administration of the HOPE, Zell Miller, and Dual Enrollment programs. This role ensures full compliance with Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) regulations, manages program operations, and monitors student eligibility. The Specialist advises and supports students and participating university departments, processes and adjusts state program awards, and oversees application and disbursement procedures. Responsibilities also include account reconciliations, monthly expenditure monitoring, and required reporting. This position exercises professional judgment in the review and processing of student files and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. The Specialist maintains student records in accordance with FERPA guidelines to protect student privacy. Responsibilities
Administer and monitor HOPE, Zell Miller, and Dual Enrollment programs in compliance with Georgia state policies and regulations. Review and verify student eligibility and ensure adherence to program rules and reporting requirements. Maintain accurate student and program records, perform reconciliations, and prepare required reports for institutional leadership, state agencies, and program audits. Serve as a primary point of contact for students, parents, schools, internal departments, and state agencies. Provide guidance and training on program policies, compliance standards, and procedural updates. Support process improvements, assist with the implementation of new state program initiatives, and contribute to outreach efforts promoting awareness of HOPE, Zell Miller, and Dual Enrollment programs. Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements Bachelor's Degree Required Experience Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of experience in a college enrollment management office or 6 months experience in a college financial aid office required. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail is a must. Strong technical skills, including Microsoft Excel and other quantitative analysis programs preferred. Customer service skills are essential. Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications Bachelor's Degree Preferred Experience Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Accounting or general reconciliation experience preferred. A minimum of two years professional experience with financial aid field with knowledge of State Programs. Proposed Salary
$23.56 Hourly. Paid on a bi‑weekly basis. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES This position requires an individual to work within an office setting with occasional meetings and presentations in other campus locations as well as off‑campus locations. Must be able to travel to off‑campus meetings. Occasional work outside of normal scheduled hours is necessary. Must be able to occasionally lift heavy boxes and packages as needed. SKILLS Strong technical skills. Customer service skills are essential. Excellent attention to detail and follow through with procedures is a must. USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on‑line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on‑line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653. Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50) Other Information
The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student‑centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.
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Location:
UWG Recruiting Location Regular/Temporary:
Regular Full/Part Time:
Full-Time Job ID:
295370 About Us
Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student‑centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post‑graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first‑choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state. Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small‑town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region. At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year‑round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award‑winning spaces, including an 18‑mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus. The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community. Invested in education with highly rated city and county K‑12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Location
Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118. Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in‑person educational experience and on‑campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses. Job Summary
The State Programs Specialist has primary responsibility for the administration of the HOPE, Zell Miller, and Dual Enrollment programs. This role ensures full compliance with Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) regulations, manages program operations, and monitors student eligibility. The Specialist advises and supports students and participating university departments, processes and adjusts state program awards, and oversees application and disbursement procedures. Responsibilities also include account reconciliations, monthly expenditure monitoring, and required reporting. This position exercises professional judgment in the review and processing of student files and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. The Specialist maintains student records in accordance with FERPA guidelines to protect student privacy. Responsibilities
Administer and monitor HOPE, Zell Miller, and Dual Enrollment programs in compliance with Georgia state policies and regulations. Review and verify student eligibility and ensure adherence to program rules and reporting requirements. Maintain accurate student and program records, perform reconciliations, and prepare required reports for institutional leadership, state agencies, and program audits. Serve as a primary point of contact for students, parents, schools, internal departments, and state agencies. Provide guidance and training on program policies, compliance standards, and procedural updates. Support process improvements, assist with the implementation of new state program initiatives, and contribute to outreach efforts promoting awareness of HOPE, Zell Miller, and Dual Enrollment programs. Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements Bachelor's Degree Required Experience Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of experience in a college enrollment management office or 6 months experience in a college financial aid office required. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail is a must. Strong technical skills, including Microsoft Excel and other quantitative analysis programs preferred. Customer service skills are essential. Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications Bachelor's Degree Preferred Experience Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Accounting or general reconciliation experience preferred. A minimum of two years professional experience with financial aid field with knowledge of State Programs. Proposed Salary
$23.56 Hourly. Paid on a bi‑weekly basis. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES This position requires an individual to work within an office setting with occasional meetings and presentations in other campus locations as well as off‑campus locations. Must be able to travel to off‑campus meetings. Occasional work outside of normal scheduled hours is necessary. Must be able to occasionally lift heavy boxes and packages as needed. SKILLS Strong technical skills. Customer service skills are essential. Excellent attention to detail and follow through with procedures is a must. USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on‑line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on‑line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653. Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50) Other Information
The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student‑centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.
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