Scholarship Specialist (26-27)

IDEA Public Schools•El Paso, TX

4d•$58,400 - $67,200

About The Position

The Scholarship Specialist supports the full scholarship lifecycle, ensuring timely, accurate, and equitable administration of student funding. This position processes scholarship applications, verifies eligibility, coordinates disbursements, and maintains comprehensive records to support compliance, donor intent, and reporting needs. The Scholarship Specialist plays a key role in delivering an efficient and student-centered experience while upholding the Foundation’s standards of fiscal and operational integrity.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
2–4 years of experience in scholarship administration, financial aid, or program coordination.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency with data management systems, spreadsheets, and document tracking tools.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide clear and compassionate support to students and stakeholders.
Commitment to equity, accuracy, and alignment with donor intent and Foundation policies.
Experience with scholarship management or student information systems.
Knowledge of FERPA and other data privacy standards.
Familiarity with nonprofit, foundation, or higher education funding environments.

Responsibilities

Support the end-to-end management of the scholarship process, including application intake, review, selection, and award notification.
Review applicant eligibility and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with donor criteria.
Maintain accurate records of award determinations and applicant communications.
Prepare and submit disbursement requests for approved scholarship awards.
Track and reconcile scholarship payments to ensure alignment with award authorizations and donor restrictions.
Ensure all scholarship activities comply with Foundation policies, donor agreements, and applicable regulations.
Serve as a resource for students, families, and internal staff regarding scholarship processes, timelines, and requirements.
Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely processing of scholarship payments and adjustments.
Maintain organized records of awards, disbursements, and student correspondence for audit and reporting purposes.
Monitor ongoing student eligibility for renewable scholarships and update records as needed.
Support preparation of scholarship-related reports for internal leadership, donors, and auditors.
Assist with maintaining donor intent documentation and student funding histories.
Collaborate with the Director of Scholarship Support to improve efficiency, accuracy, and student experience throughout the scholarship lifecycle.
Contribute to the development and refinement of systems, templates, and tools that enhance scholarship management.