Financial Aid Officer

Responsibilities

• Provides primary financial aid counseling to a diverse population of students and families, including regular contact regarding progress and performance.
• Implements institutional or departmental strategic priorities related to retention, enrollment, and compliance.
• Counsels, advises, or supports individuals through individual and group sessions to address concerns and provide guidance.
• Educates individuals on institutional resources, policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Completes required professional development and training annually.
• Supports department-wide and student services initiatives.
• Maintains accurate documentation and records in compliance with institutional, accreditation, and federal requirements.
• Collaborates with departments and colleagues—specifically admissions and the bursar—to increase engagement, retention, and success, especially for at-risk populations.
• Provides appropriate referrals for personal, social, and/or academic concerns that may impair success.
• Upholds confidentiality and complies with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and federal regulations.
• Assists with planning and coordination of events such as financial aid workshops and outreach activities.
• Maintains tools, systems, or resources necessary to effectively perform job duties, including updating student information systems.
• Remains current on relevant state and federal guidelines, emerging best practices, and research related to the role.
• Maintains student account balances.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in verbal and written formats.
• Knowledge of the role’s function in supporting learning, access, and success.
• Detail-oriented and approachable demeanor.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in verbal and written formats.
• Knowledge of the role’s function in supporting learning, access, and success.
• Detail-oriented and approachable demeanor.

Qualifications

• Education or Training: Required: Associate’s degree in finance or business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: A minimum of 1–3 years of experience in financial aid, student services, or a customer-facing administrative role.
• Preferred Experience: Experience working in higher education.
• Preferred Knowledge: Familiarity with financial aid management systems and federal/state regulations.