Financial Aid Advisor (Loans)

St. John's University; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Excellent benefits

Generous 403(b) employer contribution

Career development opportunities

Job summary

St. John’s University is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor to advance student success by ensuring access to financial resources and guiding students through federal aid processes. You will collaborate with multiple offices to minimize barriers to retention and graduation.

The role includes managing loan processes, verification, and aid packaging while delivering high-quality service to a diverse student population. Must be eligible to access Federal Student Aid systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
• Prior experience in higher education is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing key federal aid processes, including Direct Loans, verification, and private loans.
• Run loan origination/disbursement processes and prepare files for COD/ELMOne.
• Review federal verification cases and package aid for eligible students.
• Provide individualized financial aid counseling to students and families.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Ellucian Banner

Microsoft Office

Job description

St. John’s, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Job Summary

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 Direct Loan programs, federal verification and Private Loans, while delivering exceptional service to a diverse student population.

Job Responsibilities

Loan Processing and Compliance

• Collaborate with the Senior Assistant Director and Senior Associate Director to ensure federal and private loan processes are efficient, accurate, and student-friendly.
• Run loan origination and disbursement extract processes in Banner and prepare files for transmission to the U.S. Department of Education (COD) and ELMOne.
• Import and post COD response files, ELMOne certification files, and disbursement rosters, resolving discrepancies as needed.
• Manage federally required loan disclosure notices to ensure adherence to all compliance standards.
• Maintain a working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and university policies.

Verification and Aid Packaging

• Review and complete federal verification cases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal regulations.
• Package financial aid for transfer students accepted for the spring semester.
• Exercise careful attention to detail and accountability when reviewing documentation and updating student records.

Professional Judgment and Student Advocacy

• Evaluate and apply Professional Judgment for students with special circumstances in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Ensure the equitable delivery of financial aid based on students’ individual financial situations.
• Clearly communicate decisions and next steps to students and families.

Counseling and Customer Service

• Provide individualized financial aid counseling to students and families, including guidance on loan programs and verification requirements.
• Serve as Counselor of the Day and provide backup support for the Student Financial Services Center.
• Assist with the management and monitoring of the University’s loan email account.
• Deliver consistent, professional, and effective service to students, families, alumni, and external partners.

Data, Process Improvement, and Collaboration

• Utilize data to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased student engagement.
• Partner with Enrollment and other University departments to support holistic student success.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within Student Financial Services.

Outreach and Education

• Conduct financial aid presentations, workshops, and virtual chats on financial aid topics and financial literacy.
• Represent Student Financial Services at recruitment and onboarding events, including Open House and Accepted Student Day (evening and weekend availability required).

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional priorities.
• 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

Competencies, Education, Experience

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)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point; willingness to learn and embrace innovative technologies.

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.

Other Duties

Must be eligible to access Federal Student Aid systems.

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.

Supplemental Information

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.

• Important Note- St. John’s is NOT an E-Verify Employer

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.