Financial Aid Advisor (Data Research)

University Overview

St. John’s, 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 Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study‑abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations. A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.

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 does not involve direct supervision.

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.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.

Technical / Hard Skills

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations (Title IV).
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• Prior experience with student information systems and financial aid systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar) is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple reporting deadlines.

Soft Skills

• 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.

Education and Experience Required

• 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.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in higher‑education administration, business, or a 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.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Ability to maintain knowledge of current federal and state regulations.
• Must be qualified to access the Federal Student Aid system.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not require supervisory experience.

Work Environment

Professional office environment. The role routinely uses a computer and standard office equipment such as copiers, phones/voicemail, fax, scanner, and printers. The individual works primarily indoors with moderate noise levels and may occasionally need to work outside. The position is on‑campus but may be performed remotely if needed; a Wi‑Fi connection, laptop, and cell phone are required.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties, the employee is routinely required to sit, stand, move about, carry work, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, communicate, and hear. Occasionally lifts or moves up to 25 lb. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus for all‑day computer use. The employee frequently shifts between tasks, works within time constraints, and engages in oral and written communication 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

On‑campus daily travel; occasional travel to other locations for presentations and training.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tuition remission.
• Generous 403(b) employer contribution.
• Employee assistance program.
• Liberal paid time off policies.
• Access to performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation, and sporting events.