Financial Aid Advisor (Federal Programs)

St.-John; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

St.-John University is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor to advance student success by guiding access to financial resources, collaborating across departments, and removing barriers to retention and graduation. Reporting to the Sr.

Assistant Director of Student Financial Services, the Advisor will help manage federal aid processes including Pell Grants, TEACH Grants, and federal verification, while delivering exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
• Prior higher education experience is a plus.
• Must be qualified to access Federal Student Aid systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Assistant Director to ensure the federal financial aid process is student-centered.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and state aid regulations.
• Assist with processing and reporting of Pell and TEACH programs.
• Review verification cases and package aid for transfer students.
• Provide individualized financial aid counseling to students and families.
• Represent SFS at recruitment events, including Open House.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Ellucian Banner

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Financial Aid Advisor plays a critical role in advancing the University's commitment to Student Success by ensuring access to financial resources, providing personalized guidance, and collaborating across departments to remove financial barriers that may impact retention and graduation. Under the general direction and reporting to the Sr. Assistant Director of Student Financial Services, the Advisor will assist in the management of key federal aid processes, including the, Federal Pell Grant program, TEACH Grant program and federal verification, while delivering exceptional service to a diverse student population.

Federal Aid Administration and Compliance

• Collaborate with the Senior Assistant Director and Senior Associate Director to ensure the federal financial aid process is seamless and student-centered.
• Maintain a working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and University policies.
• Monitor document management workflows to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
• Assist with the timely processing, reconciliation, and reporting of the Federal Pell Grant program.
• Manage the federal TEACH Grant program, including reconciliation and required reporting.
• Support administration of the University's Course Program of Study (CPOS) process and related aid impacts.

Verification and Aid Packaging

• Review and complete federal verification cases for new first-year students, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Package financial aid for transfer students admitted for the spring semester.
• Exercise strong attention to detail and accountability when reviewing documentation and determining aid eligibility.

Professional Judgment and Student Advocacy

• Evaluate and apply Professional Judgment for students with special circumstances in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Support the equitable delivery of financial aid by accurately assessing individual student financial situations.

Counseling, Service, and Student Engagement

• Provide individualized financial aid counseling to students and families, including guidance on aid programs and verification requirements.
• Serve as Counselor of the Day and provide backup support for the Student Financial Services Center.
• Deliver professional, responsive service to students, families, alumni, and external partners.

Outreach, Collaboration, and Process Improvement

• Utilize data to identify opportunities for operational improvement and increased student engagement.
• Partner with Enrollment and other University departments to support holistic student success.
• Conduct financial aid presentations, workshops, and virtual sessions on financial aid topics and financial literacy.
• Represent Student Financial Services at recruitment and onboarding events, including Open House and Accepted Student Day (evenings and weekends required).

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Assist with managing student workers

Other Duties

This job description is not exhaustive and may include additional responsibilities as assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

• Ability to learn and apply federal, state regulations and university policies in support of the timely delivery of federal student aid.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage complex conversations and resolve escalated concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Effective communication and presentation skills (in-person and virtual)

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience with Ellucian Banner.
• Prior experience in higher education

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be qualified to access Federal Student Aid systems

Work Environment

• Professional office environment.
• Role requires routinely uses a computer, standard office equipment such as copiers, phones/voice mail, fax, scanner, printers, etc.
• This individual is routinely exposed to indoor environment with moderate noise level and on occasion may need to work outside.
• The job is an on-campus position but must be prepared to work remotely if needed and must have access to Wi-Fi, laptop, and a cell phone.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit, stand, and move about, to carry work, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, communicate, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the employee include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus and all-day use of a computer. Employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Employees routinely work within time constraints and maintain attentiveness intensity. Employees are frequently involved in social interactions that require oral and written communication. Employees are required to hear conversations in moderate noise environments.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Full-time, Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Some evening and weekend work required for enrollment events.

Travel

This is an on-campus position and requires daily travel to campus, occasional travel to other locations for presentations and training.