Strategic Financial Aid Advisor & Analyst

Oakton Community College; Des Plaines (IL); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakton College, with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie (Health Careers Education Center in Evanston), seeks a Financial Assistance Advisor and Analyst. The role oversees federal/state/institutional financial aid processes, counsels students and families, analyzes data, and ensures FERPA compliance.

Hours are Monday–Friday 8:15 am–5:00 pm with potential hybrid scheduling after 30 days. The hourly salary is $28.25, totaling about $56,921 annually under Oakton's summer hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience in financial aid operations.
• Functional experience with an integrated Student Information System; Banner experience preferred.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft products.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with flexibility to adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to interact professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Determine financial aid eligibility including general eligibility, verification, awarding, and disbursement in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Advise prospective students, current students, family members, and community members and analyze data to supply financial resources supporting student success.
• Inform students on financial aid processes, funding options, and eligibility requirements; deescalate financial concerns and support enrollment.
• Evaluate financial aid applications for accuracy and eligibility and make independent regulatory decisions.
• Determine financial aid awards, update cost of attendance, and resolve awarding errors and overpayments.
• Monitor and report on student eligibility, including veterans' benefits, and collaborate with advising on eligible courses.
• Communicate decisions; offer in-person and virtual appointments and maintain a student caseload.
• Perform Title IV Return of Funds calculations for withdrawals and advise on reductions in financial aid.
• Prepare data for transmission to federal/state agencies and utilize databases like COD, NSLDS, and ISAC.
• Ensure compliance with academic progress requirements and assist with appeals.
• Liaise with TRIO programs and scholarships; coordinate with Oakton Educational Foundation on grants.
• Determine student loan eligibility and ensure counseling, disbursement, and repayment communications.
• Support enrollment center tasks, cross-training, audits, and policy decisions.

Job description

Oakton College, with campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie (Health Careers Education Center in Evanston), seeks a Financial Assistance Advisor and Analyst. The role oversees federal/state/institutional financial aid processes, counsels students and families, analyzes data, and ensures FERPA compliance.

Hours are Monday–Friday 8:15 am–5:00 pm with potential hybrid scheduling after 30 days. The hourly salary is $28.25, totaling about $56,921 annually under Oakton's summer hours.