Financial Aid Advising Coordinator

About the role

The Financial Aid Advising Coordinator plays an essential role in the Student Financial Aid office, providing comprehensive guidance to students and families on financial aid eligibility, application processes, and available aid programs. This position balances direct student support with leadership responsibilities, collaboratively overseeing the Financial Aid Advising Team with a co-coordinator, under the direction of the Sr. Assistant Director of Advising. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and leadership development while directly impacting students' educational success.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and families on financial aid eligibility and application processes for federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
• Communicate effectively with students and parents through in-person meetings, phone calls, and emails.
• Assist students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Supervise and support financial aid advisors and student peer advisors, ensuring high-quality customer service across all advising channels (phones, emails, appointments, and front desk services).
• Handle escalations and complex financial aid concerns, providing guidance and resolution.
• Assist in hiring, training, and developing full-time financial aid staff and student peer advisors.
• Participate in outreach activities, including summer welcome programs and financial aid education initiatives.
• Support internal processing workflows and assist with strategic projects to improve advising services.
• Engage in professional development and represent the department in state financial aid organizations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success and financial aid operations.

Schedule

Shift 40 hours/week, occasional weekends and evenings are possible.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple responsibilities.
• Leadership experience or the ability to mentor and supervise staff effectively.
• Problem-solving skills to handle complex financial aid issues and student concerns.

Pay

Anticipated Hiring Range Salary Range: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour; Grade: GGS-008; University Title: Senior Student Service Specialist.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!