Financial Aid Advisor - Military Division

Full‑time Description

Work from Home (WFH) – remote work must be performed while residing in California, Florida, or New Mexico.

San Diego, CA and Albuquerque, NM.

Military.

Financial Aid Advising Manager.

Non‑exempt.

Full‑time.

Evaluates, approves, and awards financial aid to students in accordance with federal, state, and school regulations, policies, and operating guidelines. Assesses financial needs of students and advises students and/or parents regarding financial aid options, processes, and requirements. This position will also evolve into processing other funding types.

• A dedicated Financial Advisor within the Military Division, helping active‑duty personnel, reservists, and veterans navigate financial decisions unique to military life. Experienced in military benefits, TSP planning, VA‑related financial considerations, budgeting during transitions, and building strategies that support both short‑term needs and long‑term financial goals.
• Work closely with admission advisors to complete new enrollment packets each term.
• Maintain historical documents and data regarding financial aid files according to VA and federal guidelines.
• Adhere to and be knowledgeable of appropriate guidelines relating to FERPA and CIAT policy on the release of records and information to a third party.
• Review and assess eligibility of applications for VA and financial aid when needed; exercise professional judgment to determine whether adjustments should be made.
• Review for accuracy and provide signature approval/disapproval of loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents for both VA and Title IV.
• In accordance with proof, and/or revise all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional and other policies, and procedures.
• Provide information on the telephone, video calls and through electronic chat to students, prospective students, and families regarding student financial aid, and account balance.
• Conduct workshops and/or presentations to students, parents, and/or other interested parties on financial aid policy and procedural issues.
• Utilize the student management system and enrollment manager to record all student account information.
• Review DD214 and Certificate of Eligibility and collect all required documentation for all students utilizing benefits.
• Help service members and their families make confident financial decisions. Provide clear guidance on benefits and how they apply to their tuition.
• Comprehensive knowledge of VA education benefits, including CH30 (Montgomery GI Bill), CH31 (Vocational Rehabilitation), CH33 (post‑9/11 GI Bill), CH35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance), and Active‑Duty Tuition Assistance (TA). Provide financial projections within the school guidelines that are most favorable to students.
• Adhere to CIAT’s compliance requirements to ensure all federal, state, accreditation, and institutional policies and procedures are being met.
• Follow communication guidelines to ensure high levels of customer service and professionalism.
• Embody CIAT’s mission, vision, purpose, and values.

• Preferred bachelor’s or associate degree and four years related experience; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties.
• Knowledge of higher education processes, supervisory and personnel practices, communication techniques and computer software.
• General knowledge of accounting practices, data processing and computer applications.
• Detail oriented, outstanding research and analytical skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Works with a sense of urgency, while engaging and listening to experts.
• Exhibits a high degree of flexibility in adapting to a rapidly changing environment.
• Problems are solved rapidly and effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the proven ability to prioritize.
• Process tasks in a timely manner.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Capability to handle confidential and sensitive information, following confidentiality guidelines.
• Strong communication skills, both…