Financial Aid Advisor (Data Research)

St. John’s University, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. A dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of our mission as a Catholic and Vincentian university.

About the role

The Financial Aid Advisor – Research and Data supports the Office of Student Financial Services by managing financial aid reporting, compliance, and data analysis functions while also providing student counseling. This position reports to the Director for Student Financial Services and plays a critical role in supporting departmental operations, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Generate and analyze weekly, monthly, and annual financial aid reports related to enrollment, scholarships, and endowments to support institutional planning and monitoring.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of federal and state reports, including IPEDS, HEGIS, and FISAP, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with the Office of Institutional Data to complete external surveys and reporting requests, including Common Data Set, U.S. News, and Peterson’s.
• Respond to internal and external data requests from university leadership and external agencies.
• Run and maintain weekly audit reports, identifying discrepancies and developing new reports as needed to strengthen internal controls.
• Review and process federal verification cases, ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations through detailed and accurate documentation review.
• Provide financial aid counseling to prospective and enrolled students and families, assisting with financial planning and decision-making.
• Assist with problem resolution related to financial aid eligibility, processing, and student accounts.
• Deliver high-quality customer service to a diverse population, including students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director for Student Financial Services in support of departmental and institutional goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in financial aid, higher education administration, or data reporting.
• Experience with federal financial aid programs and compliance requirements.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations (Title IV).
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information.
• Ability to provide student-centered service in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to maintain knowledge of current federal and state regulations.
• Must be qualified to access Federal Student Aid system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, or related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in financial aid or institutional research.
• Experience with data reports for external agencies (IPEDS, Common Data Set, etc.).
• Experience with Ellucian Banner.
• Prior experience in higher education.
• Prior experience with student information systems and financial aid systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar).

Work Environment

• Professional office environment.
• Routinely uses a computer and standard office equipment such as copiers, phones/voicemail, fax, scanner, and printers.
• Indoor environment with moderate noise level; occasional need to work outside.
• On-campus position with the ability to work remotely if needed; must have access to Wi-Fi, laptop, and a cell phone.

Physical Demands

• Routinely required to sit, stand, and move about; carry work; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; communicate; and hear.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 25 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus and use a computer all day.
• Frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another).
• Routinely works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity.
• Frequently involved in social interactions requiring oral and written communication.
• Required to hear conversations in moderate noise environments.

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Some evening and weekend work required for enrollment events.

Travel

• Daily travel to campus required.
• Occasional travel to other locations for presentations and training.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition remission.
• Generous 403(b) employer contribution.
• Employee assistance program.
• Liberal paid time off policies.
• Access to St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation, and sporting events.