University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Debt Collections Officer - College/University Experience Required

Job Profile Title

Collections Officer

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the University Bursar, the Collections Officer is responsible for the collection of debts owed to the University by students, former students, vendors, or outside agencies. Assists with the collection of aging loans, ensures account write-offs are completed on a timely basis, coordinates loan notes and advances, and reconciles third party agency statements. Resolves elevated collection issues and assists with providing outstanding customer service that align with the University's values, competencies and vision.

Job Description

• Debt counsel borrowers/debtors for loan accounts and student account balances; to retain in-school students and cultivate fiduciary relationships between the University, students and their families; on-going fostering of post-graduate alumni relationships; represent University in litigation and court proceedings; provide preventative solutions for pre-claim accounts; negotiate settlements; keep apprised of complex and changing federal regulations governing loan programs and appropriately apply these policies governing these programs.
• Debt counsel borrowers/debtor and negotiate payment arrangements with sensitivity, responsiveness and tact while maintaining goodwill with students and alumni.
• Provide in-depth analysis, interpretations and account of student s financial billing history.
• Counsel students and their families on options and solutions. Counselor demonstrates ability to diffuse stressful situations.
• On-going training and consultation extended to outsourcing staff.
• Research accounts for court presentation.
• Serve as witness on behalf of University for litigated accounts. Interact with attorneys, court judges and arbitrators.
• Nurture special accounts in the mission of student retention based upon their unique circumstances using strong negotiating skills in effecting mutual agreement while protecting University assets.
• Analyze and recover student loan accounts, Penn Guaranteed Loans and student balance accounts. Research and prepare aged Perkins loans for assignment to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Review billing services aging reports to determine if referral to collection agencies is warranted.
• Monitor Collection Agencies status reports to determine recall or increasing payments.
• Independent discretion is exercised when placing waivers, removing holds, negotiating settlements and determining when accounts are uncollectible. Assess eligibility for diploma release and notify schools/Departments and the Secretary''s Office.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree is required and 3 years to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Previous experience preferably in credit and asset management operations
• Computer and systems experience in financial systems (Banner, Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite)
• Demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills; ability to effectively negotiate in a complex, dynamic and matrix work environment with diverse stakeholders, audiences and customers
• Ability to make sound decisions that reflect good judgment and ethical standards
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills
• Ability to cope with stress in an appropriate and constructive manner
• Ability to be dependable and available to work weekends and nights during registration and peak periods to support University operations and business objectives
• 2 -3 years of collections experience preferred
• 2+ years of higher education experience required
• 1 - 3 years of experience required in handling cash receipts and deposits in an academic environment
• Demonstrated ability and experience to collect funds
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills, attention to detail and excellent customer service skills a must
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and adhere to principles of responsible conduct

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Division of Finance

Pay Range

$36,401.00 - $65,521.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.