Financial Aid Advisor

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor in Blacksburg, Virginia. This role involves providing outstanding customer service to students and faculty through in-person, phone, and email advising. The advisor will manage program responsibilities and assist with eligibility determination for financial aid.

Qualified candidates must demonstrate proficiency in customer service and have the ability to thrive in a high-volume environment. The preferred qualifications include experience in a financial aid office and a Bachelor's degree. Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Qualifications

• Customer-focused individual with high-level customer service experience.
• Ability to adapt quickly and manage competing tasks effectively.
• Proficient in standard office software and communication tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service through phone, email, and in-person advising.
• Manage program areas for financial aid responsibilities.
• Determine eligibility for financial aid and process awards.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Multitasking

Listening skills

Public speaking

Education

Associate degree or equivalent experience

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Standard office software

Job description

Job Description

The Financial Aid Advisor provides outstanding customer service to students, parents, faculty, staff, and the public through in‑person, phone, and email advising. This position is responsible for program management in assigned areas of responsibilities (e.g., Satisfactory Academic Progress, Professional Judgments, Outreach and Communication, and Education Abroad, etc.). The advisor assists in determining eligibility for financial aid, resolving student eligibility issues, processing awards, reviewing and processing Professional Judgment appeals, and leading/participating in outreach events. This position requires the capability to work from home, occasional evening and weekend work. There will also be some blackout vacation days during peak processing times.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires a customer‑focused person who works cooperatively, adapts easily and quickly, accepts responsibility, ensures a high level of accuracy with attention to detail, and thrives in a high‑volume environment.
• Commitment to student access and student success is a must.
• Knowledge and skill requirements include: associate degree or experience in a student or customer‑facing position.
• Demonstrated proficiency providing high‑level customer service on the phone, in person, and digitally through email and virtual appointments.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing tasks.
• Strong listening and communication skills.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard office software.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making difficult decisions.
• Experience working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a college/university financial aid office.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Website and social media management experience.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Devin Henry at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.