Financial Aid Advisor III - Team Supervisor

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Do you enjoy solving complex problems, leading others, and helping students stay on track to graduate? The Office of Student Financial Aid is looking for a Financial Aid Advisor III – Team Supervisor who brings both technical expertise and positive leadership to a fast‑paced, student‑focused environment. This role blends compliance, collaboration, and creativity—supporting students through critical financial aid moments while helping the university meet enrollment, retention, and student success goals. Position Summary The Financial Aid Advisor III – Team Supervisor provides direction for key financial aid functions, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), FAFSA appeals, and student success initiatives supported through EAB Navigate. As a supervisor and subject matter expert, this position ensures consistent, compliant decision‑making while creating a supportive, engaging environment for both students and staff. You’ll work closely with campus partners, supervise high‑impact processes, and play a meaningful role in helping students persist and succeed—often during moments that matter most.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, business, or a related field.
Additional 1-3 years of experience in financial aid, higher education administration, or a closely related field.
Prior experience supervising or leading staff in a higher education or financial aid setting.
Familiarity with student success tools, such as EAB Navigate.
Experience collaborating with campus partners on retention or enrollment initiatives.
Experience using financial aid management systems (Workday Student, etc.)

Responsibilities

Supervise, coach, and support staff within the Office of Student Financial Aid, fostering a collaborative and student‑centered team culture.
Serve as a functional lead for SAP and FAFSA appeals, providing guidance, troubleshooting complex cases, and sharing best practices.
Train staff on complex financial aid topics, regulatory requirements, and evolving processes.
Act as a go‑to resource for escalated and sensitive student situations.
Oversee Satisfactory Academic Progress evaluations and appeal reviews to ensure alignment with federal Title IV requirements.
Review FAFSA-related appeals and special circumstance requests using professional judgment.
Coordinate SAP timelines, appeal workflows, and communication with campus partners to ensure timely and accurate aid decisions.
Ensure clear documentation and consistent decision‑making to support audit readiness and compliance.
Provide advanced advising to students and families navigating appeals, eligibility challenges, and continuation of financial aid.
Partner with academic advising and student success teams to support retention and persistence.
Serve as a financial aid lead for EAB Navigate, supporting proactive outreach and early‑alert efforts tied to enrollment management and academic progress.
Represent the Office of Student Financial Aid on committees and initiatives focused on student success and advising.
Develop and maintain student‑friendly and staff‑focused resources related to SAP and financial aid appeals.
Communicate clearly and effectively with campus partners regarding roles, timelines, and decision‑making.
Contribute ideas to improve processes, enhance the student experience, and strengthen cross‑campus collaboration.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
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. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.