Financial Aid Advisor

Metropolitan-State-University-of-Denve; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free RTD pass

Tuition reimbursement

Life and supplemental insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

Metropolitan State University of Denver seeks a Financial Aid Advisor to provide comprehensive aid advising for prospective, current, transfer, and graduate students in a dynamic campus setting.

The role involves evaluating eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private aid, resolving complex issues, and guiding students through the aid process with professional judgment and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Professional financial aid experience or related higher education/customer service background preferred.
• Experience interpreting financial aid regulations and providing student-focused guidance.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and families on aid programs, eligibility, funding options, and financial literacy.
• Review FAFSA/CASFA, verification documents, tax records, and determinations to determine eligibility.
• Resolve FAFSA issues, over-awards, and professional judgment requests.
• Process award revisions, loan certifications, and other aid transactions.
• Explain policies, regulations, and award determinations clearly to students.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Policy interpretation

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Professional financial aid experience

Higher ed / financial services background

Tools

Ellucian Banner

Workday Student

Microsoft Office

Job description

DepartmentEnrollment Call Center**This position is a Temporary position and is not benefits-eligible and it requires enrollment in a PERA retirement account. This is a 9-month appointment with a required 3-month break in employment.**Salary for AnnouncementThe Hourly Rate for this temporary position is $24/hour.Position SummaryThe Financial Aid Advisor provides comprehensive financial aid advising and support to prospective, current, transfer, and graduate students. This position evaluates eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs; resolves complex financial aid issues; and provides personalized guidance throughout the student aid process. The Advisor exercises professional judgment, interprets financial aid regulations, and collaborates with campus partners to promote access, persistence, and student success.Essential Duties and Responsibilities60% - Financial Aid Advising, Eligibility, and Student SupportAdvise students and families on financial aid programs, application processes, eligibility requirements, funding options, and financial literacy.Review FAFSA, CASFA, verification documents, tax records, and supporting documentation to determine aid eligibility.Resolve FAFSA comment codes, rejects, verification issues, conflicting information, and over-awards.Evaluate Professional Judgment requests, special circumstances, dependency overrides, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals.Process award revisions, budget adjustments, loan certifications, and other financial aid transactions.Explain financial aid policies, regulations, and award determinations in a clear and student-centered manner.Monitor and respond to financial aid and scholarship inquiries.Support scholarship administration, including scholarship awarding, check processing, batch postings, eligibility reviews, and application cycle management.Participate in outreach programs, FAFSA/CASFA completion events, workshops, orientations, and student recruitment initiatives.Provide front-line customer service through in-person, phone, email, and virtual communications.Support student retention and completion by helping students navigate financial barriers to enrollment and academic success.35% - Operational Support and Program AdministrationSupport daily operations of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.Process financial aid workflows, including eligibility reviews, loan adjustments, and scholarship-related activities.Assist with compliance monitoring, Pell reviews, SORs, FAPROs, Excess Credit reviews, and R2T4 processing.Maintain accurate records, tracking reports, and documentation.Monitor scholarship programs, donor-funded awards, Institutional Need Grant Program (INPG) requirements, and other institutional aid initiatives.Collaborate with Enrollment Management and campus partners to improve processes, service delivery, and operational efficiency.Assist with special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned.5% - Professional Development and ComplianceMaintain current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and best practices.Participate in professional development opportunities and required training.Ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with regulatory requirements.Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional student service.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited institution.ANDOne of the following:One year of professional financial aid experience; ORTwo years of student employment experience in a Financial Aid Office; ORTwo years of experience in higher education, financial services, or a related field requiring analytical and customer service skills.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and procedures and exercise sound judgment.Demonstrated commitment to customer service and student success.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Ellucian Banner and/or Workday Student.Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid regulations.Experience with financial aid eligibility reviews, verification, appeals, and compliance.Experience administering scholarship programs.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.Experience working in a high-volume, customer-focused environment.Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success.Closing Date05/15/2027Posting RepresentativeDarrick ConroyPosting Representative [e-mail] University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf .The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail] .Diversity StatementMetropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.