Financial Aid Outreach Advisor I

Inside Higher Ed; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Life insurance

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Parental leave

Retirement

Employee discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

An educational institution in Macon, Georgia, seeks a Financial Aid Outreach Advisor I to conduct outreach to students and stakeholders and provide guidance on financial aid processes. The role involves administrative tasks, coordinating outreach functions, and assisting with financial aid workshops. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and experience in financial aid. The position comes with benefits like health insurance and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Ability to understand complex processes.
• Prior financial aid experience required.
• Bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison for first-year students for financial aid support.
• Advise students on financial aid availability and application processes.
• Coordinate financial aid workshops and recruitment events.

Skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Banner financial aid module

Job description

Financial Aid Outreach Advisor I – Inside Higher Ed

Location: MGA – Macon
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full‑Time
Job ID: 292454

About Us

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is a multi‑campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree‑granting public institution. With campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, as well as a fully‑online campus, MGA serves approximately 8,400 students from all 159 counties of Georgia. The university offers six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, and is committed to educating and graduating lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Outreach and Retention, the Financial Aid Outreach Advisor will conduct internal and external outreach to prospective students, current students, parents, and other stakeholders, raising awareness of available financial aid programs and services. The advisor will counsel newly admitted traditional students and special populations through the financial aid process.

Responsibilities

• Administers All Aspects of Position (60%)
  • Serve as a liaison for first‑year students, collaborating with campus partners (Admissions, Academic Advising, Student Success Center, and Center for Career & Leadership Development) to extend reach and support for vulnerable students.
  • Advise students and parents on financial aid availability, eligibility requirements, and application processes via phone or email.
  • Assist students in completing necessary financial aid forms and award federal, state, institutional, and private aid within guidelines and regulations.
  • Review and process financial aid files and related procedures as assigned.
• Coordinates/Participates in Outreach Functions (30%)
  • Coordinate and participate in financial aid workshops, orientations, and events on campus, at external sites, and virtually as needed.
  • Attend college fairs and other off‑campus recruitment events; extensive fall travel required with periodic travel throughout the year and occasional evening and weekend work.
  • Contribute to planning and execution of activities and special events designed to enhance enrollment, including on‑campus visits, visit days, and orientation events.
• Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
  • Perform other related duties specific to financial aid regulatory requirements and day‑to‑day operations as directed by supervisor to enhance office efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Educational Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree.
• Other Required Qualifications
  • Ability to understand complex processes.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
  • Able to convey enthusiasm, energy, and poise.
  • Possess a valid driver's license.
  • Travel required.
• Required Experience
  • Prior financial aid experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Other Required Qualifications
  • Bilingual preferred.
• Preferred Experience
  • Experience administering student financial aid programs at a comparable college or university.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of modern office methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of state, federal, and institutional regulations related to information collection, maintenance, and release.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Banner financial aid module.
• Knowledge of federal and state student aid online reporting systems.
• Knowledge of need analysis principles.
• Computer and job‑related software proficiency.
• Decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Interpersonal, teamwork, and public‑relations skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life insurance
• Sick leave
• Vacation leave
• Parental leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check, verification of credentials, employment history, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.

Seniority Level

Entry Level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Education and Training