Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

Status:
Full Time

This position is primarily responsible for collaborating with Financial Aid Services and the Director of Financial Aid to ensure proper processing, delivery, and tracking of federal student aid, military aid/benefits, scholarships, and other funding.

• Guide prospective and current students and parents throughout the financial aid process in pursuit of first and subsequent degrees
• Exercise independent professional judgment with minimal supervision to counsel students on optimal financial package based on individual circumstances
• Present and provide financial aid information at campus events and other outreach activities
• Serve as financial aid content expert for the school, working with all departments to ensure accurate understanding of issues, handling of questions and review of documents
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, accreditation standards and professional guidelines regarding student enrollment and financial aid
• Contact incoming and current students to secure documents necessary to complete files and verification
• Maintain regular contact with incoming and current students; in person, via email, and on the telephone
• Coordinate efforts with students in relation to private loan options
• Counsel students (and parents) on the federal loan application processes
• Enter all correspondence and communication with students into financial aid system
• Ensure students do not exceed cost of education limits
• Comply with federal regulations as outlined in Federal Student Aid Handbook
• Analyze and interpret federal regulations related to the overall financial aid process
• Assist with electronic processing of financial aid data records
• Assist with the certification of private loans through the electronic certification system
• Oversee the Federal Work Study and Institutional Work Study programs
• Assist with annual audit preparation
• Assist with the tracking and processing of Satisfactory Academic Progress with Tuskegee University’s policy
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related area
• At least two years of related work experience in a college or university’s Financial Aid Office
• Experience working in customer service setting

• Frequently required to sit; and talk or hear
• Occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions while performing the duties of this job
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical – synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data
• Problem Solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well individually and in group problem solving situations
• Project Management – effectively communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time; manages project team activities
• Technical Skills – assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others
• Customer Service – responds promptly and courteously to customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments
• External Working Relationships – develops and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with clients, vendors and other representatives of external organizations
• Self‑motivated and able to balance multiple tasks simultaneously among changing priorities and deadlines
• Leadership
• Organization
• Business Acumen – aligns work with strategic goals

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Internet software; payroll systems; spreadsheet software (Excel); project management software; word processing software (Word); electronic mail software (Outlook); presentation software (PowerPoint); and 10‑key by touch
• U.S. Department of Education regulations and laws
• U.S. Department of Education’s software systems (COD, EDconnect, etc.)

Excellent communication skills, customer service, and analytical skills.

• Read and comprehend detailed instructions, correspondence, and memos
• Effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to various types of customers, clients, and other employees of the organization