Scholarship Advisor (HR Title: Financial Aid Advisor I)

Southern Methodist University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University is seeking a Scholarship Advisor to counsel students and families on financial aid and scholarships. This on-campus role administers and reconciles scholarships, leading external awards such as National Merit, Gates Millennium, and ROTC to support SMU’s enrollment goals.

The advisor will ensure program compliance, assist with policy development, and collaborate across the University to provide a student-centered experience while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 1 year of work experience; student financial services preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present and educate about financial aid options.
• Familiarity with financial aid processes and need analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and families on financial aid and scholarships.
• Administer and reconcile scholarship awards; lead external scholarships.
• Support enrollment goals and billing processes.
• Stay current on federal/state/institutional policies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Professionalism

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

CSS Profile

Job description

Job Description

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU's Student Financial Services supports students and families throughout their educational journey by providing guidance and services related to financial aid, scholarships, student accounts, billing, student employment, veteran education benefits, and financial education. Our team works collaboratively across the University to help students understand their financial options, navigate important processes, and access the resources they need to support their success at SMU.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Scholarship Advisor develops a thorough knowledge of federal, state, and institutional aid topics to counsel students and parents about receiving financial aid and scholarships. This position administers, coordinates, and reconciles various types of scholarship awards. Is the lead in awarding of all “external” scholarships including National Merit, Gates Millennium, ROTC, United Methodist, etc. External scholarships totaled over $4 million in aid year 2026.

This position is instrumental in the daily execution of scholarship programs, including scholarship committees, and will contribute to office policy and procedures associated with programs in which they are involved. They will contribute to enrollment goals, access and inclusion with a student-centered approach. The role is also responsible for reconciling Veteran Affairs educational awards monthly.

Essential Functions:

The Scholarship Advisor works with prospective and continuing students, and members of the SMU community in a personalized way on the financial aid application process, eligibility, need analysis, awards, disbursement, federal/state institutional policy, and the rights and responsibilities of receiving aid. Works with SMU students to craft a financial plan to make SMU affordable.

Serves as a subject matter expert for financial aid topics including: cost of attendance, federal and institutional need analysis, award package, types of aid, receiving outside resources, payment options, financing options, billing, disbursement dates, withdrawal, re-admit, deadlines, financial aid policy and procedures, and the responsibilities of receiving financial aid.

Awards and processes “outside” scholarships including National Merit, Gates Millennium, ROTC, United Methodist, etc. As necessary, identify candidates for specific awards and request any required documentation to determine award eligibility. Oversee the timely and proper processing of outside scholarships to ensure that they are applied appropriately to the student account.

Assesses a family's ability to pay for education expenses by evaluating income and assets reported on the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE. The Scholarship Advisor is an expert in the area of need analysis, both federal and institutional methodologies, ability to explain complex financial aid calculations and results, while also providing the rationale for families to easily understand.

The Scholarship Advisor is routinely responsible for reviewing current financial circumstances of SMU families and applying professional judgment for special circumstances appeal cases for which they are assigned. Contacting students and families directly to inform them of Financial Aid Appeals Committee decision regarding changes to financial aid eligibility or dependency status.

Participate in financial aid presentations for the campus, high schools, community events and college nights. Serve and contribute as a member of departmental committees including the Communications Committee, Forms Committee, Scholarship Appeal Committee and etc. Participate in strategically managing workload volume. Assist with other Enrollment Services areas as needed.

The Scholarship Advisor must actively keep up to date on state and federal regulations and internal policies and procedures in order to ensure accurate and efficient interpretation of information to ensure program compliance. The Must be able to handle numerous complex tasks with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Constant collaboration and responsiveness with campus partners is expected.

• The Scholarship Advisor works as a team member with the other Financial Aid Advisors to deliver high quality service to students and their families. Some weeknight/weekend and holiday work is required. The Advisor will travel to present and/or attend financial aid workshops and conferences.
  
• Scholarship Advisor works closely with Assistant Director for Scholarships as back up and is responsible for monthly reconciliations of Veteran Affair educational funding. Position works closely with Bursar team to ensure accuracy of awards, potential refunds and any over awards. Includes occasional cross departmental assistance, to include occasional nights and weekends during peak times, Other duties as assigned.
  
• Some travel as well as evening and weekend work may be required during peak seasons and to staff high school presentations.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required.

A minimum of one (1) year of work experience is required. Some experience with student financial services is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must demonstrate a high level of professionalism, strong business acumen, and the ability to provide upscale customer service. Strong presentation skills, including the ability to deliver engaging and energetic presentations, are essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational and time management skills. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential.

A general knowledge of PeopleSoft or a similar financial aid software as well as Microsoft Suite is essential. Knowledge of virtual collaboration and meeting software is preferred. Experience with CSS Profile for non-federal scholarship awards is desired.

Knowledge of and/or experience with financial aid processes, guidelines, and procedures is preferred.Familiarity with federal and institutional need analysis methodologies is desired. The ability to evaluate income and asset information, exercise professional judgement and apply financial aid regulations and guidelines accurately is a plus.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Stand
• Exposure to excessive noise
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by November 5, 2026.

Deadline to apply is November 19, 2026.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.