Financial Aid Advisor (Data Research)

St. John's University•Queens Campus, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Aid Advisor – Research and Data supports the Office of Student Financial Services by managing financial aid reporting, compliance, and data analysis functions while also providing student counseling. This position reports to the Director for Student Financial Services and is not responsible for direct supervision, but plays a critical role in supporting departmental operations, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations (Title IV)
Strong data analysis and reporting skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools
Bachelor’s degree
Experience in financial aid, higher education administration, or data reporting
Experience with federal financial aid programs and compliance requirements
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to maintain knowledge of current federal and state regulations
Must be qualified to access Federal Student Aid system

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with student information systems and financial aid systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar) is preferred
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information
Ability to provide student-centered service in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work collaboratively across departments
Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, or related field
3–5 years of progressive experience in financial aid or institutional research
Experience with data reports for external agencies (IPEDS, Common Data Set, etc.)
Experience with Ellucian Banner
Prior experience in higher education

Responsibilities

Generate and analyze weekly, monthly, and annual financial aid reports related to enrollment, scholarships, and endowments to support institutional planning and monitoring
Assist in the preparation and submission of federal and state reports, including IPEDS, HEGIS, and FISAP, ensuring accuracy and compliance
Collaborate with the Office of Institutional Data to complete external surveys and reporting requests, including Common Data Set, U.S. News, and Peterson’s
Respond to internal and external data requests from university leadership and external agencies
Run and maintain weekly audit reports, identifying discrepancies and developing new reports as needed to strengthen internal controls
Review and process federal verification cases, ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations through detailed and accurate documentation review
Provide financial aid counseling to prospective and enrolled students and families, assisting with financial planning and decision-making
Assist with problem resolution related to financial aid eligibility, processing, and student accounts
Deliver high-quality customer service to a diverse population, including students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director for Student Financial Services
Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.