Financial Aid Advisor I/II

Position Title:
Financial Aid Advisor I/II

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with advising and financial aid
Experience creating and developing training content
Experience researching and implementing federal regulations
Completion of multiple NASFAA credentials
Experience with learning management software (i.e., Canvas)

Job Description:

The Office of Student Financial Aid, a unit within the division of Academic Affairs, administers more than $400 million in federal, state, institutional, and private funds to over 85% of undergraduate students and additional support for domestic graduate students seeking aid.

About the role:

• This Financial Aid Advisor I/II will focus on training and compliance.
• Develop and deliver staff financial aid training programs, assisting in compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, and providing guidance to other financial aid staff within the office.
• Collaborate with supervisors within the office to coordinate new staff onboarding and training.
• Stay up-to-date on changing rules and regulations and communicate updates to staff as necessary.
• Update and maintain the office’s policies and procedures manual, as well as working with individual teams to make sure all processes are documented thoroughly.
• Educate students and families about financial aid options, including information on aid applications and awards, scholarship availability, and eligibility requirements, along with policies and procedures according to the US Department of Education regulations and professional judgment guidelines.
• Provides crucial customer service to students and their families and may provide guidance to student workers.
• Support the university’s transition from a decades-old mainframe student information system to cloud-based Workday Student Information System.

About us:

• The Office of Student Financial Aid values student success, accountability, innovation, collaboration, dignity and respect, and advocacy above all else.
• While we are dedicated to serving students, we also place importance on professional growth and development in the workplace by offering staff retreats and conference opportunities throughout the year.
• We value each member of our team and believe each of us has unique skills that enhance our work.
• We work to get to know each other’s individual strengths and weaknesses, creating a space for open dialogue and optimal collaboration.

About you:

• The successful candidate will have the ability to work both independently as well as in a team environment.
• Must be detail-oriented, creative, and possess the ability to manage multiple ongoing tasks.
• Must be self-motivated and have strong problem-solving skills and oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide financial aid training in a variety of mediums, such as written, in-person, virtual, presentation, and course format.

If you’re ready to start a rewarding career alongside dedicated Financial Aid staff at Iowa State, apply to join our team!

This position will be filled at the Financial Aid Advisor I or II level, depending on the candidate's experience.

Financial Aid Advisor I Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's Degree and is a PS805 pay level.

Financial Aid Advisor II Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience and is a PS806 pay level.

 

Level I: Example of Duties

• Assists students and families by making recommendations, interpreting regulations, and reviewing petitions.

• Counsels students and families regarding financial aid including eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management, and financial planning.

• Provides status updates regarding eligibility, scholarships, and applications.

• Provides specialized support for a financial aid area.

• Analyzes data and applies judgement.

• Evaluates individual circumstances and documentation and makes adjustments or exceptions based on judgement.

• Prepares and gives presentations related to financial aid and related topics.

Level II: Example of Duties

• Assists students and families by making recommendations, interpreting regulations, and reviewing petitions.

• Counsels students and families regarding financial aid, including eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management, and financial planning.

• Provides status updates regarding eligibility, scholarships, and applications.

• Provides specialized support for a financial aid area.

• Analyzes data, compiles reports, and applies judgement.

• Evaluates individual circumstances and documentation and makes adjustments or exceptions based on judgment.

• Prepares and gives presentations related to financial aid and related topics.

• Helps coordinate JIRA process with ITS, Business Analysts, and Financial Aid staff

• Serve as backup for NCAA Athletic Aid Administration

Level I: Level Guidelines

• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision

• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode

• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope

• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained

• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate

• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity

• May provide guidance to students

Level II: Level Guidelines

• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals

• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues

• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems

• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests

• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff

• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity

• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS805

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:
May 9, 2024

Posting Close Date:
May 16, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14654