Financial Aid Advisor

Saginaw Valley State University • Lexington, MA

43d • Onsite

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Advisor supports students and families by providing guidance on financial aid resources, ensuring affordability and minimizing financial barriers throughout the student lifecycle. This role involves coordinating financial aid processes, including budgeting, packaging scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, as well as managing federal aid verification and reviewing ISIR comment codes. The advisor proactively monitors students at risk of exceeding Title IV fund limits, losing aid, or facing financial challenges that could impact their academic success, offering solutions-oriented communication to support their continued enrollment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• One year of related work experience.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to address large groups.
• Ability to work under pressure with a positive attitude.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workloads.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial aid advising to students and families at all points in the student lifecycle.
• Conduct proactive outreach to support students who may need financial aid or scholarship assistance to start or maintain their enrollment.
• Coordinate and implement the federal aid verification process.
• Coordinate and implement procedures to resolve conflicting data on the federal student aid application.
• Perform professional judgment (unusual circumstances and dependency overrides) activities that are consistent and comply with program regulations.
• Budgeting, awarding, packaging, and/or finalization of various institutional, community, state, and federal aid programs.
• Review ISIR comment code reports, as assigned.
• Monitor a list of students who transfer who may potentially exceed their Title IV funds for the year.
• Assist in posting federal loans and the certification and posting of alternative loans.
• Coordinate with various campus offices, including Campus Financial Services Center, Academic Advising, Admissions, Registrar, Academic Colleges, and the SVSU Foundation.
• Responsible for receiving daily walk-ins, appointments, and phone calls.
• Respond to or distribute e-mail messages in a timely manner.
• Participate in the development and implementation of financial aid policies and procedures.
• Assist with the interview and recommendation process of departmental employees.
• Present financial aid information to various groups on and off campus.
• Attend professional development conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay up to date on all aspects of the financial aid industry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent retirement package and employee benefits.
• Professional development to support and grow employees.
• Prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees through programs and gym memberships.
• Rewarding and recognizing employees' achievements.

What This Job Offers

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