Financial Aid Outreach Advisor

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Access and Outreach, the Financial Aid Outreach Advisor serves as a knowledgeable and engaging representative of the Office of Financial Aid, delivering presentations and guidance on financial aid, college costs, and the FAFSA process to students, families, both on campus and at High Schools. The Financial Aid Outreach Advisor is a critical member of the Outreach & Student Success team whose primary role is to support students, parents, applicants, and educational personnel in and outside of the University regarding financial aid, student employment, and tuition classification. In addition to a comprehensive working knowledge in these areas, the Financial Aid Outreach Advisor must demonstrate strong public speaking, and customer service skills including efficiency, accuracy, organization, and tact. Some evenings, weekend, travel and irregular hours are required to support outreach events, staffing needs, and peak operational periods.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in the liberal arts, sciences, counseling, business, arts, communications, or related field.
Has at least one (1) year of experience in higher education, student services, or customer service environment.
Similar experience as a student employee may be considered.
Demonstrated presentation and public speaking skills.
In accordance with Federal regulatory requirements, all finalists must be in good standing on any outstanding Federal Title IV student loans and cannot have a repayment due for a Title IV grant.
Maintain a valid Driver’s License or have access to a licensed driver at the time of application.
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
Fingerprinting required.

Nice To Haves

Excellent written communications skills, as demonstrated by application materials submitted.
Experience delivering outreach presentations to high school students, families, or community partners.
A strong understanding of the Land Grant Mission of Colorado State University.
Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and FAFSA processes.
Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.
Experience serving first-generation, low-income, or underserved student populations.

Responsibilities

Deliver engaging, informative presentations on financial aid, FAFSA completion, and college affordability to audiences ranging from small groups to large assemblies.
Represent Colorado State University at resource fairs, high school visits, and community events both on campus and throughout the state.
Resolves student financial aid, tuition classification, and account disputes by gathering information, asking targeted questions, and analyzing data across multiple university systems to determine appropriate solutions.
Independently manages student cases using acquired expertise and professional judgment.
Exercises professional judgment to evaluate special or unusual circumstances and authorize exceptions in accordance with policy.
Implement solutions by recalculating financial need, adjusting offer packages, lifting financial holds, waiving fees, and processing appeals.
The advisor adheres to a consistent training schedule throughout the year. Trainings require continual learning with leading subject matter experts in the areas of Loans, Scholarships, Special Programs, Student Eligibility, Student Employment, Tuition Classification/Residency.
The Advisor must be well rounded in their overall knowledge of campus resources so that a student can be successful. In addition to specific financial aid training topics, continual learning will take place about advocacy offices, specialized academic counseling services, and basics of how food and housing impact students.