Financial Aid and Enrollment Specialist

Global University Systems•Goodyear, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Avila University is seeking a dedicated Financial Aid and Enrollment Specialist to support students at its Goodyear, Arizona location. Employed by Avila University, this position provides student-focused assistance throughout financial aid, admissions, and enrollment processes, with a primary focus on federal financial aid for domestic U.S. students. The Specialist guides students and families through FAFSA completion, financial aid requirements, eligibility documentation, and available funding options, and helps applicants complete admissions and enrollment requirements after applying to the University. The role requires direct experience administering Federal Title IV financial aid programs, knowledge of Title IV regulations, and the ability to explain complex requirements clearly and supportively. The Specialist processes and reviews financial aid information, supports awarding and compliance activities, maintains accurate records, monitors outstanding requirements, and coordinates with university departments to help students progress through enrollment. The position also supports orientations, workshops, events, and student communications through phone, email, in-person appointments, and other approved channels. This is a full-time, exempt position. The role involves professional communication with faculty, staff, students, families, and external constituents; effective use of technology; independent problem-solving and interpretation of policies and regulations; and handling confidential financial information with accuracy and discretion. The employee regularly sits, moves about an office, stands, reads, uses a keyboard, and communicates in person and through telephone and video technology. The work environment has a usually moderate noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

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.
Strong working knowledge of federal financial aid regulations.
Proficiency using 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.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with strict 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 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.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally and maintain professional decorum.
Ability to solve practical problems, interpret written and oral instructions, independently analyze issues, and create action plans.
Ability to schedule activities, meetings, and events; gather, collate, and classify data; and use job-related equipment.
Ability to work independently and with diverse individuals and groups, analyze varied data using defined processes, and operate equipment using standardized methods.

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.
Assist students with FAFSA completion, required documentation, corrections, and resolution of outstanding financial aid 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 determination and awarding of financial aid 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 other institutional systems.
Monitor student financial aid files and proactively follow up with students regarding 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 completing outstanding admissions and enrollment requirements.
Review student files for completeness and follow up regarding missing documentation.
Provide students with information regarding admissions requirements, enrollment steps, deadlines, and next steps.
Coordinate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Academic Operations, and other departments to support a smooth 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 through phone, email, in-person appointments, and other approved communication channels.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.