Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Financial Aid Advisor plays a critical role in supporting the University’s enrollment, recruitment, and retention goals through the administration of complex institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs. This position exercises significant professional judgment and analytical expertise in evaluating financial aid eligibility, interpreting and applying evolving regulatory requirements, and developing individualized financial aid packages. Serving as both a compliance professional and student-facing advisor, the position manages substantial financial aid and scholarship programs, communicates complex information to diverse stakeholders, and ensures the accurate stewardship of financial resources that directly support student success and institutional enrollment objectives.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyzes aid applications and formulates financial aid awards in accordance with relevant internal and external guidelines, regulations, and policies. Utilizes independent judgement regarding complex special circumstance cases including loss of income, dependency overrides, and Noncustodial Parent Waivers. Provides advice and explanations to students, parents, staff, and faculty with regard to the aid process and various financial aid policies and procedures. Conducts workshops and information sessions to prospective student and parents on and off campus. 

• Manages one or more financial aid programs, including developing subject content expertise, performing relevant accounting/reconciliation functions, and adhering to external and internal regulations, policies and procedures.

• Liaisons with internal and external groups to ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Participates in the development and administration of policies and procedures required to successfully manage all financial aid programs. Expands knowledge by attending professional development activities and networking with other aid officers.

• Cultivates community outreach by creating and presenting engaging and informative financial aid programs to local high schools, organizations, and other targeted audiences.  Participates in other outreach activities such as panel discussions, financial aid training programs and FAFSA Days.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.

• Formal presentation skills.

• Ability to effectively interact with individuals and groups to explain and resolve challenging and complex matters.

• Meticulous attention to detail while managing a high-volume caseload that easily translates to completing hundreds of auditable daily transactions.

• Excellent organizational skills as position is regularly required to pivot to work with five different schools (containing both undergraduate and graduate programming) which vastly impact eligibility and types of financial aid available to each student population. 

• Exceptional analytical skills to analyze income, valuate assets, and manage multimillion dollar programs.

• An aptitude for numbers.

• Superior abilities in project management and programmatic management.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

• Experience with a student information system (SIS) such as Banner is preferred.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• At least three years of relevant work experience required or proven ability to perform job.

• Some financial aid experience preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Full-time; Non-exempt; Limited-term position

• Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Grade 5 ($21.09 to $27.95 per hour)