Financial Aid Data and Reporting Analyst

Office of Financial Aid

Exempt, Regular, Full-Time, Pay Grade 1.4

Job Location: Hybrid

The Data and Reporting Analyst is responsible for the collection, analysis, monitoring, and reporting of data to inform operational decisions and day-to-day workforce optimization actions within the department.

Must be able to meet and maintain access requirements for secure federal and/or state websites, such as the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Individuals cannot currently be in default on a student loan. 

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a full, up-to-date understanding of all systems administration policies and procedures within the systems unit. 
• Conduct an in-depth analysis of financial aid data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. 
• Develop and maintain robust data models to support ongoing reporting needs. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and integrate data from various sources. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all compliance and regulatory requirements for each program serviced by the scholarship unit. 
• Design visually appealing and informative dashboards for internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in all reports, adhering to established data governance standards. 
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within the Financial Aid Office through data analysis. 
• Collaborate with team members to implement enhancements that streamline workflows and increase efficiency. 
• Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement. 
• Implement and maintain data quality checks to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial aid data. 
• Troubleshoot and resolve data discrepancies, working closely with IT and other relevant departments. 
• Collaborate to conduct annual reporting with external entities such as the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), U.S. Department of Education, and Accelered. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

 Effective Communication 

• Effectively communicate complex data findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
• Maintain consistent and strategic communication with peers and the leadership team as it relates to the completion of work. 
• Communicate with all members of the Systems Unit to determine any team needs. 
• Respond in a timely and appropriate manner to all requests.  
• Collaborate with colleagues across the institution to support data-related initiatives and projects. 

Professionalism 

• Maintain a positive and motivated presence and contribute to a professional and comfortable environment for all employees. 
• Communicate all questions and concerns to leadership using the appropriate channels. 

Key Performance Indicators

• Provide clear, comprehensive, and accurate data as requested by all stakeholders within 3 business days. 
• Record all data requests and identify recurring data needs for each stakeholder; meet with stakeholders at least quarterly to discuss financial aid data needs. Build automated reporting solutions wherever possible.  
• Schedule and maintain all daily, weekly, and monthly reports. 
• Monitor FA systems inbox daily and ensure a time-to-first response of no more than three business days. 
• Complete one professional development activity per quarter. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Data Science, Business Analytics, Finance). 
• 2-4 years of PeopleSoft experience
• Proven experience in data analysis and reporting, preferably in a higher education or financial aid setting. 
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., PeopleSoft query, Tableau, Power BI) and strong Excel skills. 
• Knowledge of SQL for data querying and manipulation. 
• Familiarity with financial aid processes and regulations. 
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. 
• Effective communication and collaboration skills. 
• Experience with PeopleSoft preferred. 

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume. UMGC offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for qualifying positions, such as tuition remission, generous leave and healthcare. For detailed benefits information, please visit: https://careers.umgc.edu/benefits.html.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to helping safeguard the health of its faculty, staff, students, contractors, and guests. Because vaccinations reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2-the virus that causes COVID-19-all prospective UMGC faculty (full-time and adjunct) and staff are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated and current with the recommended boosters. As always, operations at our military locations in Europe, Asia, and stateside will follow the guidance of the U.S. Department of Defense and local commands, and may require proof of full vaccination, unless an exception is approved as a reasonable accommodation based on disability or religion. If so, a copy of their Approved Exception Letter must be provided before the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or show proof of exception may result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC’s Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at [email protected].