Financial Aid Outreach & Retention Specialist

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau (MO); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University is seeking an Outreach and Retention Specialist to join the Student Financial Services team. This role focuses on helping prospective and current students understand and navigate the financial aid process while supporting enrollment and retention efforts.

The position serves as a primary contact for incoming and first-year students and families, providing individualized counseling and coordinating outreach and recruitment activities to address financial

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited institution.
• Experience in financial aid or higher education, student services, admissions, advising, or customer service; two or more years preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly and build trust with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary financial aid resource for incoming, first-year, and prospective students and families.
• Provide individualized counseling on federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid opportunities.
• Explain eligibility, procedures, deadlines, and award information.
• Develop knowledge of federal Title IV regulations and packaging procedures.
• Lead policy research, implementation, and training related to incoming students.
• Assist with the review of financial aid applications and ensure accurate awards.
• Respond to inquiries about scholarships.
• Maintain proactive communication with students to address barriers.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop solutions.
• Participate in student retention initiatives and outreach events.
• Present financial aid information at orientations, FAFSA events, and high school visits.
• Stay current with changes in financial aid policies and communicate to staff.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Southeast Missouri State University is seeking an Outreach and Retention Specialist to join the Student Financial Services team. This role focuses on helping prospective and current students understand and navigate the financial aid process while supporting enrollment and retention efforts.

The position serves as a primary contact for incoming and first-year students and families, providing individualized counseling and coordinating outreach and recruitment activities to address financial