Senior Loan Program Advisor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Well-Being program

Tuition waiver program

Job summary

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA seeks a Senior Loan Program Advisor to manage Direct and private loan processing, support the Associate Director of Loans, and coordinate loan-related activities with students and families.

The role demands excellent communication, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PeopleSoft. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package within the Financial Aid and Scholarships team.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong customer service skills
• Highly organized with excellent time management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook

Responsibilities

• Reconcile Direct Loan program
• Provide point of contact for students and parents regarding Direct Loan program or other topics pertaining to loan attainment and/or troubleshooting problems
• Daily review of file transmittal, file upload, and loan origination processes
• Review loan eligibility and make adjustments per federal regulations and lender requirements
• Process authorization, disbursement, and return of funds for Direct Loans
• Certify, disburse, and return private loans as needed
• Private and Direct loan processing management
• Assist with financial aid trainings to staff and students via open houses and workshops
• Collaborate with campus partners
• Serve as team leader in Associate Director of Loans absence to provide support and coverage in all areas of the loan team

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Independence

Time management

MS Office

Tools

PeopleSoft

MS Office

Job description

Working Title: Senior Loan Program Advisor

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist II

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Department: 100179 - Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $46,000 - $48,402

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 11/12/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Senior Loan Program Advisor performs a critical role in program management, family support, and loan processing. This position processes all types of loans and other types of aid as needed and within all regulations and guidelines. This position also provides program management and supports the Associate Director of Loans.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reconcile Direct Loan program
• Provide point of contact for students and parents regarding Direct Loan program or other topics pertaining to loan attainment and/or troubleshooting problems
• Daily review of file transmittal, file upload, and loan origination processes
• Review loan eligibility and make adjustments per federal regulations and lender requirements
• Process authorization, disbursement, and return of funds for Direct Loans
• Certify, disburse, and return private loans as needed
• Private and Direct loan processing management
• Assist with financial aid trainings to staff and students via open houses and workshops
• Collaborate with campus partners
• Serve as team leader in Associate Director of Loans absence to provide support and coverage in all areas of the loan team

Qualifications:

Required:

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong customer service skills
• Documented history of dependable performance, including timely completion of work, adherence to schedules, and consistent follow-through on commitments
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly organized with excellent time management
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook

Additional Considerations:

• Experience with PeopleSoft, or similar databases

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.