Financial Aid Advisor

Note:

This position requires a significant amount of training before the employee will be eligible to begin hybrid work. Only after the employee is fully trained and able to demonstrate the ability to work independently will the hybrid schedule be approved.

CLASSIFICATION:
Non-exempt (hourly)

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
Director of Financial Aid

SALARY: $65,500.00 Annually

The Financial Aid Administrator job duties include counseling and advising students and parents on the various financial aid programs, assisting with the administration of one or more federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs, evaluating financial aid applications in order to determine student eligibility for various financial aid programs, assisting with student tours, assisting students in completing required documents, collecting data, keeping accurate records and other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Expected to be able to meet all deadlines given and deliver exemplary customer service to current, prospective, and former students.

Education: AA required, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: 1-2 years of experience in customer service preferrably in financial aid or several years of professional equivalent experience is required.

Skills: Must be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with students, parents, high school counselors, fellow employees, institute administrators, and other constituents of the institute. Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups. Must have strong organizational and time management skills. Delivering excellence through customer service and follow-through is essential to this position. Must be comfortable with multi tasking.

Other duties as assigned.

• Makes and receives multiple phone calls daily – must be comfortable communicating by telephone.
• Keeps accurate records and summaries of all communications with students and parents.
• Achieve daily/weekly/monthly goals in the key result areas of the financial aid process as mandated by the Director of Financial Aid (outgoing/incoming calls, setting appointments, assisting with federal and private financial aid applications, and enrolling students).
• Ensures optimal use of financial aid funds by awarding funds from the various programs to students in accordance with established federal, state, and Institute guidelines.
• Ensures student and parent awareness of the various financial aid sources during counseling sessions by providing information to them and answering their questions regarding financial aid sources.
• Assists students in the application process for financial aid by helping them to complete appropriate and required forms; by advising them of their rights and responsibilities concerning financial aid; and by providing them with information about the status of their financial aid applications. Works closely and in conjunction with the Institute’s admissions/enrollment team.
• Determines students' eligibility for the various financial aid programs by evaluating their applications and assists them with overcoming obstacles.
• Creates and sends student enrollment and other financial aid related documents.
• Assists with the smooth operation of the department by assisting the Director of Financial Aid in the administration of one or more financial aid programs.
• Contributes to broad-based management of the Financial Aid Office by providing input to office policy and procedure decisions. Other duties may include traveling to off‑site DIT events, presenting in classrooms, and helping other departments for DIT related events.
• Assists in the preparation of required statistical reports by collecting data and keeping accurate records on programs administered by the Financial Aid Office and by designing and revising forms as appropriate.
• Maintains competency and professional currency through self‑directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director of Financial Aid.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, attention to detail, and strong problem‑solving skills are essential.
• Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Student Financial Aid by performing all other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Financial Aid Administrator receives supervision from the Director of Financial Aid.