Financial Aid Advisor

Washington Adventist University; Takoma Park (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution of higher education is seeking a dedicated Financial Aid Advisor to support students in navigating the financial aid process. This role involves counseling students and families, determining aid eligibility, and managing financial aid disbursements. The ideal candidate will be organized, self-disciplined, and possess excellent communication skills, with a passion for helping students succeed. Join a collaborative environment that values professional expertise and fosters lasting connections among staff. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in students' lives, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 2 years of financial aid experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students on financial aid options and eligibility.
• Manage financial aid processes and maintain student confidentiality.
• Conduct financial aid seminars and attend recruitment events.

Skills

Excellent command of English grammar and spelling

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Customer service skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Conflict resolution

Basic computational skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Ellucian Colleague

Education

Bachelor's degree

2 years higher education financial aid experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

Job Title: Financial Aid Advisor

Department: Student Financial Services

Reports to: Director of Student Financial Aid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000

(This is a continuous recruitment position. Candidates will be considered when an opening is available.)

OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued, and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students. Regardless of the title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision from the Director of Student Financial Services, this position facilitates the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students by assisting students in completing financial aid application processes; determining aid eligibility, and counseling students and families on financing options and payment plans. The ideal candidate will be an independent and organized worker who is self-disciplined and motivated and able to work with minimal supervision under strict deadlines and a heavy workload.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Counsels and advises students and parents and other individuals regarding financial aid, financing options to prepare students for the financial clearance process.
• Educates students on budgeting, debt management, and alternative ways to manage expenses associated with a college education.
• Confers with individuals and groups to disseminate information and answer questions relating to financial assistance available to students enrolled in the university.
• Consults with students to obtain information needed to determine eligibility for aid.
• Determines student eligibility for financial aid through verification and makes financial aid decisions and awards for students.
• Responsible for the financial aid processes for students, which includes verifying and monitoring student files.
• Participates in trainings and conferences.
• Serves as a liaison between financial aid and admissions/recruiting in an overall effort to achieve student satisfaction.
• Manages disbursement and reconciliation of the Federal Direct loan and private alternative loan programs.
• Attends recruitment events and conducts financial aid seminars (local and out of state) for students and parents during open-houses and other times as assigned (including evenings and weekends).
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all activities in the Student Financial Services office.
• Supports and affirms a culture of distinctive excellence and exceptional service.
• Attends university events and required meetings.
• Attends mandatory weekly Convocation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receives direct supervision from the Director of Student Financial Services and Executive Vice President for Finance.

QUALIFICATIONS

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform the job successfully. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least two years higher education financial aid experience is preferred.

Language Skills:

• Excellent command of English grammar and spelling.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Bilingual preferably English/Spanish fluency.
• Exceptional presentation and public speaking ability.

Mathematical and Technology Skills:

• Basic computational skills using a calculator.
• Working knowledge and application of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Preference given to candidates with experience using Ellucian Colleague.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Applies logical or scientific methods to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Must exhibit leadership skills.
• Possesses capacity for planning, organizing, and controlling.
• Advanced skills in team building, motivation, and conflict resolution.
• Must have high energy and a high degree of enthusiasm.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality regarding extremely sensitive matters.
• Excellent customer service, organizational skills, and computer skills.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability and willingness to rotate work schedule between days and evenings.
• Ability to work some weekend hours.

• Willingness to learn a vast array of systems and websites for financial aid.
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team as well as individually.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a challenging and demanding position.

Title VII Exception Notice

Washington Adventist University is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. As such the University has the legal right to prefer a member of the Seventh-day Adventist ("SDA") Church in its hiring process. If a qualified SDA candidate is not identified, the University will give the opportunity to candidates who must understand and respect the mission, purpose, and identity of Washington Adventist University as a condition of their employment.