Financial Aid Advisor

Dine College•Chinle Agency, AZ

131d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Financial Aid Manager, the Financial Aid Advisor serves as the primary resource for students and their families in navigating the financial aid process. This position provides advising and guidance on federal, state, tribal, and institutional aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. The Advisor is responsible for evaluating student eligibility, interpreting regulations, and ensuring compliance with all applicable financial aid policies and procedures. In addition, the Financial Aid Advisor will assist in administering the Tribal College Education and Workforce Scholarship Program, which supports students pursuing academic and career training opportunities that align with workforce needs in Arizona.

Requirements

Associate degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, or a related field.
One (1) year of experience working in financial aid, higher education student services, counseling, or related fields.
OR equivalent experience may be considered – an additional three (3) years of directly related professional experience may substitute for the required Associate degree.
Knowledge and administration of Federal, State, and Tribal financial aid programs with the Federal, State, Tribal, and institutional compliance.
Experience in presentations, webinars, or digital resources in the area of Financial Literacy.
Proficient skills with Microsoft (MS365): Excel, Word, etc.
Must have strong project management and organizational abilities and skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; writing, oral, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
Work effectively in team situations.
Excellent customer service skills using tact and diplomacy; professional and pleasant office manner.
Excellent listening skills; patient and calm.
Ability to prioritize information in a timely manner;
Ability to communicate clearly by phone and in person;
Detail-oriented and able to organize and manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy;
Ability to handle multiple tasks and issues;
Ability to understand and explain to others technical information in a manner that is easily understood.
Ability to create presentations, webinars, and create resources.
Ability to analyze and interpret data;
Ability to adapt to system, process, and procedure changes.
Valid State Driver's License;
Candidate must clear a pre-employment background check to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and tribal Financial Aid regulations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, or a related field.
One (1) year of experience working in financial aid, higher education student services, counseling, or related fields.
OR equivalent experience may be considered – an additional five (5) years of directly related professional experience may substitute for the required Bachelor's degree.
Experience in processing student financial aid through a relational database system is desired.
Experience in Financial Aid or Educational software programs (Jenzabar, PowerFAIDS, etc.).

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one and group advising to students, prospective students, and families regarding financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
Assist students in completing the FAFSA, scholarship applications, and other required documents.
Explain financial aid award packages, grant requirements, and work-study opportunities.
Educate students on financial aid award packages, grant requirements, and work-study opportunities.
Educate students on financial literacy topics, including budgeting, financial planning, and debt prevention strategies.
Serve as a resource to promote understanding of financial aid policies and encourage responsible management of funding resources.
Evaluate and verify financial aid eligibility in compliance with federal, state, tribal, and institutional policies.
Accurately review, process, and maintain student financial aid applications and supporting documentation.
Ensure compliance with Title IV federal student aid programs, tribal scholarship requirements, and institutional guidelines.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in the student information system and financial aid management system.
Support regular audits and reporting processes to meet compliance and accountability standards.
Assist in administering the Tribal College Education and Workforce Scholarship Program, including application review, eligibility determination, award processing, and program reporting.
Assist in supporting the grant management of the Tribal College Education and Workforce Scholarship Program, including processing Purchase Requisitions, activity coordination, and marketing aid, activities, etc.
Conduct outreach, presentations, and workshops to increase awareness and participation in the scholarship program.
Partner with Admissions, Registrar, Student Success, and other college departments to support student onboarding, retention, and completion initiatives.
Provide high-quality customer service to students sand families while assisting in resolving financial aid concerns.
Support the Financial Aid Manager with projects, reporting, and program development activities.
Stay up to date on federal, state, and tribal financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices.
Participate in professional development workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
Identify and recommend improvements to financial aid processes to better serve students and improve efficiency.