Financial Aid Advisor

Job Title: Financial Aid Advisor

Department: Financial Aid

Reports To: Associate Director of Operations

Schedule: Full Time, Exempt. M-F; 9 am - 5 pm, Hybrid***

Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Operations, the Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for assisting students and parents regarding financial aid.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise students and parents on eligibility requirements for federal, state, and institutional aid
• Review financial aid applications; perform needs analysis in order to determine need for both undergraduate and graduate students
• Assist students in estimating their educational expenses, calculating their needs for the year, and preparing a financial aid plan
• Ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications
• Interact with various college offices and outside entities to resolve conflicts, expedite processing, and access information
• Responsible for processing applications, administering, and managing all financial aid programs, including Federal, State, and Institutional aid programs. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling
  • Federal Pell Grant and SEOG Grant reconciliation
  • Work Study Reconciliation, including processing time sheets
  • New York State TAP Grant Reconciliation
  • Reconcile federal student loan proceeds
  • Certify private education loans
• Perform application verification, conflict resolution, and use professional judgment as needed
• Represent the office during promotional events (Open Houses, Orientation, Workshops, Accepted Students Day, etc.)
• Assist the director and associate director on special projects
• Advise and assist support staff and student assistants when necessary
• Work evening and weekend hours as necessary
• Travel to meetings, training sessions, and conferences as required
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Associate’s degree required

Preferred Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 3-4 years of financial aid experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Datatel software preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Title IV programs and regulations
• Knowledge of all applicable financial aid regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications and computer skills
• Skill in operating a personal computer and related equipment.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and work independently
• Ability to implement quality customer service strategies
• Ability to provide customer service.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and departmental project teams.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in assigned specialized areas.
• Ability to conduct research, identifying and analyzing trends, including root cause analysis.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with students, employees, and the public

Physical Requirements or Working Conditions:

• The regular work schedule is 9 am-5 pm EST, Monday through Friday.
• May be required to work additional hours outside of the regular work schedule.
• Willingness to work outside designated office hours as needed for events
• ***Employees must work fully on-site while on a 90-day probationary period upon hiring. After the probationary period, a hybrid (work remotely) schedule may be assigned contingent on business needs.
• While working remotely, you will be required to maintain the same hours of work as would be performed in the office; follow the department's procedures in completing assigned job tasks; and be available during the employee’s working hours via the department's established communication methods (i.e., Google chat, Slack, phone, etc).
• Ability to carry and lift objects up to 10-20 lbs., such as files or office equipment
• Proficiency in typing, using a mouse, and handling office equipment.