Financial Literacy Coordinator (TRIO Program) in Kansas City, Missouri at Avila University

POSITION SUMMARY
The TRIO Financial Literacy Coordinator is a grant-funded position that supports the financial wellness, retention, and academic success of first-generation, income-eligible, and underrepresented students participating in federally funded TRIO programs. This position provides individualized financial literacy coaching, financial aid guidance, scholarship support, and educational programming designed to help students make informed financial decisions, reduce barriers to persistence, and successfully navigate college and career pathways. The position works with all three Avila University TRIO programs that serve 150 Student Support Services students (60% effort), 74 Upward Bound Classic students (20% effort), and 60 Upward Bound Achieve students (20% effort).

Responsibilities:
• Assist and monitor participants in procuring maximum financial aid packages
• Assist participants resolve financial holds on their accounts
• Explain rules and assist in filing FASFA; organize FAFSA Frenzy workshops with supportive offices
• Offer individual and group financial literacy counseling
• Work to ensure that participants’ loan indebtedness is manageable
• Oversee the distribution of SSS grant aid with the SSS Director
• Assist participants in procuring work-study or other employment opportunities
• Assist participants in finding and applying for relevant internal and external scholarships, helping them through the application processes
• Plan and coordinate workshops focused on various financial literacy topics and career awareness as it relates to financial considerations, securing speakers and presenters
• Plan and coordinate parent workshops and resources for Upward Bound parent workshops
• Develop and monitor for-credit courses offered to SSS students as described in the grant, ensuring participants progress towards goals
• Develop and teach a Financial Literacy elective course for Upward Bound Summer Excellence Institute program
• Collaborate with the Financial Aid office to create comprehensive financial plans for students
• Stay updated on federal and state financial aid regulations to provide accurate guidance
• Develop and distribute financial aid resources
• Assess the effectiveness of financial literacy programs and workshops through data analysis
• Tailor financial literacy programs to address the unique needs of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social sciences, finance or related fields
• Experience in financial literacy and/or financial aid
• Must be motivated, have meticulous attention to detail, have interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team is necessary.
• Excellent writing skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience in overcoming barriers or working with individuals similar to those of the target population
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse groups including students, administrators and external service providers.
• Ability and willingness to work irregular and flexible hours
• Ability to contribute to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Successful candidates should be committed to contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits:
This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and health insurance.

The Community:
Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:
Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)” and produce requested documentation after employment.

In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at https://www.avila.edu/campus-resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.