Financial Aid and Enrollment Specialist

Global University Systems (GUS)•Goodyear, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Avila University Arizona seeks a dedicated Financial Aid and Enrollment Specialist to support students at its Goodyear, Arizona location. The role provides student-focused support throughout the financial aid and enrollment process, primarily helping domestic U.S. students with federal financial aid. The Specialist guides students and families through FAFSA completion, financial aid requirements, eligibility documentation, and available funding options, and supports applicants with admissions and enrollment requirements after they apply.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
At least two years of experience administering Federal Title IV financial aid programs, including FAFSA completion, eligibility determination, and verification, with a strong working knowledge of federal regulations.
Proficiency with federal financial aid systems, including COD, NSLDS, and FAFSA Partner Portal, and general student information systems or databases.
Strong student-focused customer service and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial aid information clearly and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with close attention to detail and accuracy when handling confidential financial information.
Professional judgment and discretion, including the ability to interpret policies, apply regulatory requirements, and work collaboratively across departments.
Ability to contribute to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students and multilingual learners, and advances equity and social justice through the work.
Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate in English.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university employees, community members, external parties, Board members, and senior administrators; communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally; and maintain professional decorum.
Ability to solve practical problems, interpret varied instructions, independently analyze issues and create action plans, and work with data and job-related equipment.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of direct financial aid experience, including financial aid packaging, federal loans, SAP, and professional judgment processes.
Experience with enterprise higher education platforms such as Banner, Ellucian, Colleague, Campus Solutions, or Oracle Student Financial Planning.
Previous experience supporting broader student services such as admissions or student accounts.

Responsibilities

Guide students and families through the FAFSA application and financial aid process, including completion, required documentation, corrections, and resolution of outstanding requirements.
Review FAFSA and student financial aid information to identify missing documentation, discrepancies, or eligibility issues.
Counsel students and families regarding federal financial aid programs, grants, loans, scholarships, and other financing options.
Process financial aid applications and support financial aid determinations and awards in accordance with federal regulations and University policies.
Support verification, loan processing, Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, and other financial aid processes.
Review and update student financial aid records and maintain accurate documentation.
Use applicable federal financial aid systems, including COD, NSLDS, FAFSA Partner Portal, and institutional systems.
Monitor student financial aid files and proactively follow up with students about outstanding requirements.
Explain the potential financial aid impact of enrollment changes, withdrawals, or changes in academic status.
Maintain current knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, financial aid policies, and institutional procedures.
Support financial aid reporting, reconciliation, audits, and compliance activities as required.
Support students after they have submitted an application for admission.
Assist applicants with outstanding admissions and enrollment requirements; review files for completeness and follow up about missing documentation.
Provide clear information about admissions requirements, enrollment steps, deadlines, and next steps.
Coordinate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Academic Operations, and other departments to support the student enrollment experience.
Assist students in resolving administrative issues that may delay enrollment.
Support new student orientations, financial aid workshops, enrollment events, and other student-facing activities.
Communicate with students by phone, email, in-person appointments, and other approved channels.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.