Financial Aid Advisor II

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

9d

About The Position

Join our team as a Financial Aid Advisor II and play a key role in supporting the next generation of veterinarians. In this student-centered advising role, you will work closely with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students to provide individualized guidance on financing a professional education. You will help students understand the full cost of attendance, explore funding options, and make informed decisions about borrowing, budgeting, and long-term loan repayment. A core focus of this position is financial literacy and proactive advising. You will counsel students on responsible loan borrowing, cumulative indebtedness, clinical year and rotation-related expenses, and strategies for managing finances throughout veterinary school and beyond. Through one-on-one advising, presentations, and targeted outreach, you will translate complex financial aid information into clear, practical guidance that supports student success and well-being. In addition to advising, you will manage key financial aid processes specific to veterinary medicine, including packaging and disbursement of aid, DVM-specific budgets, scholarship cycles, and professional judgment decisions. You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting timely and accurate awarding of funds aligned with enrollment goals for the College of Veterinary Medicine. This role collaborates closely with campus partners, central financial aid teams, and accounts receivable to resolve issues and improve the student experience. The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines while balancing technical aid administration with high-touch advising. If you are passionate about financial education, problem-solving, and helping future veterinarians navigate the financial realities of their profession, this role offers meaningful and rewarding work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience with financial aid management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Ellucian, Workday Student, or other student information systems).
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, with experience working with programs such as FAFSA, FISAP, IPEDS, and state grant programs.
• Prior experience providing advising, counseling, or customer service in a higher education setting.
• Experience presenting or facilitating workshops/outreach for students, families, or campus/community partners.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage financial aid eligibility determination, packaging, and disbursement.
• Coordinate scholarship cycles, including nomination solicitation, eligibility verification, and award processing.
• Provide intermediate-level advising to students and families regarding financial aid processes, eligibility, borrowing, and funding options tailored to veterinary education.
• Advise students and families in a variety of formats and assist with escalated, complex cases.
• Conduct presentations and workshops during orientations, recruitment events, and financial literacy programming.
• Hold office hours at DVM campus locations and support outreach during visit days, open houses, and student organization meetings.
• Collaborate with academic and student services staff to identify students in need of financial intervention or support.
• Act as a liaison between the DVM program, Accounts Receivable, Registrar, and other campus partners.
• Utilize and update financial aid systems for accurate processing and reporting.
• Support and guide staff and student employees with advising and processing questions.
• May assist team supervisor by analyzing data, compiling reports, or communicating with internal and external partners.
• Represent the Office of Student Financial Aid during campus events such as Orientation, Experience ISU Visit Days, and other outreach activities.
• Prepare and deliver materials for presentations to small and large groups (e.g., classrooms, Campus Partners Conference, Financial Literacy Month).
• Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations, counseling best practices, and trends in professional and veterinary education financing.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level