Financial Aid Adviser

Location: California

Financial Aid Adviser

University of California, Santa Cruz

How to Apply

For full consideration, attach your resume and cover letter. For guidance or troubleshooting, review the Applicant Resources on our website.

Initial Review Date (IRD)

Applied materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed for consideration. The IRD for this job is 12‑04‑2025
. Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply.

About UCSC

UC Santa Cruz is a public university that blends a small liberal‑arts feel with the depth of a major research institution. It is known for innovation, experimentation, and a campus renowned for its natural beauty.

Department Overview

The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (FASO) serves roughly 19,000 students a year, with 77% of undergraduates receiving financial aid. FASO seeks to minimize barriers to education, providing a broad range of aid programs and working within Enrollment Management and the Division of Undergraduate Education.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Adviser evaluates complex aid applications, provides individualized counseling, adjusts awards, advises on policies, contributes to policy development, analyzes data for program integrity, and develops outreach content to communicate aid information.

Appointment Information

• Budgeted Salary: $60,301 - $69,134/Annually
• Benefits:
  Full benefits
• Employment type:
  
  Career appointment

Schedule Information

• Full‑time, Fixed
• Percent of Time: 100% (40 Hours/Week)
• Days:
  Monday‑Friday
• Shift: Day

Job Duties
50% – Financial Aid Analysis

• Analyze financial data and institutional policies to determine eligibility and award aid.
• Create and maintain database queries and reports; resolve allocation issues.

25% – Financial Aid Information Services

• Provide counseling on sensitive aid matters and identify available resources.
• Authorize changes to award amounts when justified.

15% – Partnership Efforts

• Advise departments on aid procedures and resources.
• Recommend policy changes to benefit specific student groups.

10% – Outreach

• Coordinate and produce content for outreach to prospective students, parents, and the public.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and university aid regulations.
• Understanding of university policies and advising techniques.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop compliant procedures.
• Critical‑thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Accurate financial aid calculation, organizational, and prioritization abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and listening communication skills.
• Customer‑service orientation and interpersonal proficiency.
• Experience working with diverse populations and cultural competency.
• Proficient with standard office software and internet/email applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of university‑specific computer applications.
• Proficiency in languages other than English.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Background check and employment misconduct disclosure required.
• Ability to work long periods at a computer.
• Hybrid work schedule option; must meet telecommuting agreement.
• Variable schedule capability; occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Maintain professional appearance and conduct.
• Complete required training, including UC compliance training.
• Comply with the University of California vaccination policy.
• Mandated as a child‑abuse reporter under CANRA.
• Exercise confidentiality and data protection; prevent information leaks.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

Applicants must disclose any misconduct findings, allegations, or disciplinary actions within the past seven years related to their employment conduct.

Safety Statement

All employees must follow safety procedures, attend required training, promote safety at work, and report accidents or injuries promptly.

Notice of Availability

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report available at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Contact UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or 831‑459‑2231 Ext. 1 for a paper copy.

EEO/AA Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories covered by UC policy. The University undertakes affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts in accordance with its federal and state obligations.

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