About Mines & Golden, CO
When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.
Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).
Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’smanufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?
Colorado School of Mines welcomes applications for a new role in the Office of Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Systems Specialist leads the day-to-day systems operations and processes for the office. The position is responsible for managing and implementing various system and process projects and provides recommendations on enhancements that will streamline financial aid processes. The Financial Aid Systems Specialist is expected to maintain a thorough understanding of guidance governing Federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs. The position requires the Financial Aid Systems Specialist to work in a team environment to coordinate efforts in administering aid and educating/training other staff regarding office processes and operations.
Responsibilities
Responsible for leading the day-to-day systems operations and processes within the Office of Financial Aid, including multiple electronic data loads and data exchanges with the US Department of Education.
Coordinate new aid year set up managing confidential data of ~6000 students to ensure compliance and accuracy in data systems.
Provide subject matter expertise for the Ellucian Banner and Workday ERP systems, to research, identify, and propose process improvements for the Officeof Financial Aid.
Stay current on modifications to Banner and Workday through e-communities and seamlessly integrate new releases and patches with current system functionality to maintain compliance.
Maintain a thorough understanding of guidance governing federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs.
Exercise professional judgement when appropriate, if federal, state, or institutional guidelines do not seem to adequately address a particular situation.
Collaborate with the IT department in the use of the ISE job scheduler and automation software.
Utilize available resources to provide information in group and one-on-one settings.
Coordinate efforts in administering aid and educating/training other staff regarding office processes and operations.
Other duties as assigned to meet the objectives goals of the program and/or Mines.
Minimal Level of Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree
Two years related systems experience
Two plus years of in-depth knowledge of Ellucian Banner, Workday, or similar ERP system
Two plus years of in-depth knowledge of ISE scheduling software or similar software
Excellent organizational and analytical skills
Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills
Demonstrated working knowledge using data management software applications and database systems.
Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications:
Five plus years of related systems experience
Experience working with any/all of the following financial aid systems: COD, CPS, SAIG, NSLDS, ELM, EdConnect, and TDClient
Salary and Benefits
$66,720 - $72,000 annual rate
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:
Flexible health and dental care options
Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
Free RTD Ecopass
All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.
How to Apply
Application review will begin May 20, 2026. This posting will remain open until filled. For full consideration, apply by May 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. as applications received after that date may not be reviewed. Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and upload the following:
Upload a resume or CV
Upload a cover letter
Candidates will notice there is one upload box for all materials. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions.
Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.
Equal Opportunity
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.