Financial Aid Advisor II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Wellbeing program

Employee Assistance Program

TBD: Work-life benefits

Job summary

Iowa State University in Ames, IA seeks an experienced Financial Aid Advisor II to guide students and families through aid options, applications, and policies. You will review eligibility, adjust packages, resolve holds, coordinate outside aid, and maintain federal systems.

The role emphasizes regulatory compliance and personalized advising in a dynamic, student-focused environment. The ideal candidate has prior experience administering financial aid programs, interpreting regulations, and using

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience.
• Experience administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Experience interpreting and applying financial aid regulations and policies.
• Experience providing financial aid advising and counseling to students and families.

Responsibilities

• Guide students and families through financial aid options, applications, awards, scholarships, eligibility requirements, and policies.
• Review student eligibility and adjust financial aid packages; resolve account holds and monitor enrollment/withdrawal activity.
• Coordinate outside aid and maintain federal financial aid systems such as Federal Student Aid, COD, and NSLDS.
• Provide individual advising and group presentations to help students understand financial aid and financial literacy resources.
• Help maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting aid programs.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems

COD

NSLDS

Job description

Position Title: Financial Aid Advisor II Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description

Help students turn financial aid into a path toward achieving their educational goals. As a Financial Aid Advisor II, you’ll guide students and families through financial aid options, applications, awards, scholarships, eligibility requirements, and policies. You’ll provide individualized advising and financial literacy support while handling more in-depth financial aid processing to ensure students receive accurate and timely assistance. You’ll also help maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting the administration of federal, state, and private aid programs. In this role, you’ll review student eligibility and adjust financial aid packages, resolve account holds, monitor enrollment and withdrawal activity, coordinate outside aid, and maintain federal financial aid systems such as Federal Student Aid, COD, and NSLDS. You’ll also provide individual advising and group presentations to help students and families better understand their financial aid and financial literacy resources.

We’re looking for a student-focused, detail-oriented financial aid professional who can navigate complex regulations while providing exceptional service to students and families.

The ideal candidate has experience administering financial aid programs, interpreting financial aid policies and regulations, and using financial aid systems and processing tools.

Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

This is a one-year term position, with the potential for renewal based on funding availability.

About the Department

The Office of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University is committed to empowering over 85% of undergraduate students through the administration of more than $400 million in financial assistance annually. As a unit within the Division of Academic Affairs, our team helps students and their families understand, apply for, and manage financial aid throughout their academic journey. We are driven by values of student success, innovation, collaboration, and respect. Our supportive work environment emphasizes personal and professional growth, with opportunities for training, development, and meaningful contributions to the university’s mission. Join us in making college more accessible and affordable for Iowa State students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Experience using Federal Student Aid, COD, NSLDS, or other financial aid systems.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Experience providing financial aid advising and counseling to students and families.
• Experience with financial aid processing, including eligibility review, award adjustments, account holds, and outside aid coordination.

Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, speak with the Hiring Manager.

Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term: September 21, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12

Month Work Period Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: PS806

Original Posting Date: August 14, 2026

Posting Close Date: August 28, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R19749

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensiveland‑grantmission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.