Specialist - Communications (Student Finance Services)

Job Category

Regular Support Staff

FVTC Worksite

Appleton Main Campus

Hours Per Week

40

Note to internal applicants: Do not apply via this portal. Login to your Workday Account and Find Internal Career Opportunities through the Internal Portal.

Job Description Summary

The Student Finance Services (SFS) Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering all student-facing communications related to financial aid, billing, and payments. This role serves both Financial Aid and Student Finance ensuring that students receive timely, accurate, and clear information about their financial responsibilities, aid eligibility, and available resources.

The Communications Specialist creates and manages a unified communications strategy across multiple channels — email, text messaging, phone outreach, student portal, web content, and print — to support student success, reduce confusion, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, year-round communication calendar aligned with the financial aid cycle, billing calendar, academic deadlines, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the central point of coordination for all outgoing SFS communications, ensuring consistency of tone, branding, and content across all platforms.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Student Finance, IT, Marketing, and Enrollment Services to align messaging and optimize delivery strategies.
• Create targeted campaigns for: FAFSA reminders, verification, award notifications, SAP, special circumstances, COA adjustments, loans, and R2T4.
• Ensure all federally required notifications are compliant, accurate, and delivered within the appropriate timelines.
• Develop and distribute messages related to billing, payment plans, refunds, registration holds, collections, and 1098-T tax form availability.
• Coordinate student communications related to Veterans Education Benefits, including eligibility, certification, next steps, and compliance notifications.
• Draft and deliver content through email, text, phone scripts, student portal, web content, and print.
• Utilize SIS and communication software to segment audiences and automate delivery where appropriate.
• Ensure all communications adhere to FERPA, Title IV, and other applicable federal/state regulations.
• Maintain records of required notices and outreach for audit and internal documentation.
• Track engagement metrics, collect feedback, and continuously improve communication effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Associate’s in Communications, Marketing, Higher Education, Business, or a related field.
• Two to three years relevant experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to convey complex financial and regulatory information in plain language.
• Familiarity with federal financial aid regulations, billing procedures, and student account practices.
• Experience managing multi-channel communications across a large audience.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Comfort using SIS tools and analyzing engagement data
• Experience in a higher education setting, preferably within Financial Aid, Bursar, or Enrollment Services.
• Knowledge of Title IV regulations, FERPA, and financial aid compliance standards.
• Basic working knowledge in communication platforms such as Mail Chimp, Mongoose, Workday, or similar.
• Demonstrated commitment to student equity, access, and customer service excellence.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Fox Valley Technical College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. 

Work Environment

• Full-time position with occasional evening or weekend work during peak times (e.g., aid disbursement, registration, or billing deadlines).
• May be eligible for hybrid or remote work in accordance with institutional policy.
• Regular collaboration with cross-functional teams and service departments.

Work environment may change based upon college needs.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: This role requires extended periods of sitting while performing tasks and utilizing computer systems. 
• Mobility: While much of the work is desk-based, occasional mobility may be necessary for attending meetings, office tours, or events within the workplace. 
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with employees, candidates, and stakeholders, both in-person and through electronic means. 

EOE/ADA Statement

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FVTC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Additional Information

Starting Range: $24.53 - $28.86 per hour. 
Pay is based on a multitude of factors, including experience, qualifications, education, relevant certifications, internal equity, and market data.  
Note: Internal applicants' wage will be based upon the applicable compensation guidelines. 

At Fox Valley Technical College, we recognize employees as key contributors to our mission and are committed to fostering a culture of fairness, transparency, and excellence. Our total rewards philosophy ensures equitable compensation and benefits, supporting a highly engaged workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System and 403(b)/457 plan options. Employees enjoy paid time off, sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and recess periods. We offer life and disability insurance, with options for additional coverage. Work-life balance is supported through flexible schedules or remote work options (for some positions) and wellbeing programs. Professional development opportunities include training, certifications, and tuition reimbursement. Additional perks at the Appleton Main Campus include an onsite health and wellbeing clinic, dental clinic, fitness center, Parent/Child Center (onsite child care), library, café, printing services, Trilogy Salon & Spa, and more.

Fox Valley Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including members of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, females, veterans and individuals of all abilities.
For questions regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policy, contact: Rayon Brown - rayon.brown6751@fvtc.edu (Affirmative Action), TitleIX@fvtc.edu (sex-based discrimination or harassment), or Dan Squires - daniel.squires3328@fvtc.edu (Disability related discrimination).