Financial Aid Advisor (Federal Programs)

About the University

St. John’s University, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses and international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France, along with study abroad opportunities worldwide. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across six colleges and schools, with a growing number of online programs. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other academic and professional associations, St. John’s is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a Catholic and Vincentian institution.

About the Role

The Financial Aid Advisor plays a critical role in advancing the University’s commitment to Student Success by ensuring access to financial resources, providing personalized guidance, and collaborating across departments to remove financial barriers that may impact retention and graduation. The Advisor will assist in managing key federal aid processes and deliver exceptional service to a diverse student population under the general direction of the Sr. Assistant Director of Student Financial Services.

Responsibilities

• Federal Aid Administration and Compliance
  • Collaborate with the Senior Assistant Director and Senior Associate Director to ensure a seamless, student-centered federal financial aid process.
  • Maintain working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and University policies.
  • Monitor document management workflows to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
  • Assist with the timely processing, reconciliation, and reporting of the Federal Pell Grant program.
  • Manage the federal TEACH Grant program, including reconciliation and required reporting.
  • Support administration of the University’s Course Program of Study (CPOS) process and related aid impacts.
• Verification and Aid Packaging
  • Review and complete federal verification cases for new first-year students, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
  • Package financial aid for transfer students admitted for the spring semester.
  • Exercise strong attention to detail and accountability when reviewing documentation and determining aid eligibility.
• Professional Judgment and Student Advocacy
  • Evaluate and apply Professional Judgment for students with special circumstances in accordance with federal guidelines.
  • Support the equitable delivery of financial aid by accurately assessing individual student financial situations.
• Counseling, Service, and Student Engagement
  • Provide individualized financial aid counseling to students and families, including guidance on aid programs and verification requirements.
  • Serve as Counselor of the Day and provide backup support for the Student Financial Services Center.
  • Deliver professional, responsive service to students, families, alumni, and external partners.
• Outreach, Collaboration, and Process Improvement
  • Utilize data to identify opportunities for operational improvement and increased student engagement.
  • Partner with Enrollment and other University departments to support holistic student success.
  • Conduct financial aid presentations, workshops, and virtual sessions on financial aid topics and financial literacy.
  • Represent Student Financial Services at recruitment and onboarding events, including Open House and Accepted Student Day (evenings and weekends required).
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.
  • Assist with managing student workers.

Requirements

• Ability to learn and apply federal, state regulations, and university policies in support of the timely delivery of federal student aid.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage complex conversations and resolve escalated concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Effective communication and presentation skills (in-person and virtual).

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Preferred
  • Experience with Ellucian Banner.
  • Prior experience in higher education.
• Additional Eligibility
  • Must be qualified to access Federal Student Aid systems.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment with routine use of computers and standard office equipment (copiers, phones, fax, scanner, printers).
• Indoor environment with moderate noise; occasional outdoor work may be required.
• 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, move about, carry work, reach with hands and arms, and climb stairs.
• 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.
• Frequent task-shifting, maintaining attentiveness, and social interactions requiring oral and written communication.
• Ability 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; occasional travel to other locations for presentations and training.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, 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.