Financial Aid Officer (On-Site) - $1k Sign-On Bonus

Essential Functions

• Advises students and families on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, and available funding sources, including Title IV aid, institutional loans, scholarships, and agency assistance.
• Supports students through FAFSA completion, verification, and award acceptance.
• Clearly explains loan terms, repayment obligations, and core financial literacy concepts to students and families, ensuring they understand the long-term impact of borrowing and budgeting.
• Provides guidance to help students resolve financial aid issues that may affect their ability to enroll or continue their education.

File Compliance & Processing

• Accurately packages and processes financial aid awards in full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Ensures student records are complete and up to date to facilitate timely and accurate disbursement of financial aid.
• Proactively identifies and resolves inconsistencies in student accounts to maintain financial integrity.
• Stays informed on changes to financial aid laws, policies and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and service excellence.

Student Retention & Success

• Initiates timely communication with students regarding documentation requirements, award status updates, and available funding opportunities.
• Regularly reviews student accounts to ensure financial aid is applied accurately and disbursed on schedule.

Collaboration & Communication

• Works closely with academic and student services teams to deliver a cohesive and supportive student experience from start to finish.
• Fosters professional, positive relationships with students, colleagues, and external agencies to support service excellence.
• Pairs with the Sr. FAO or Director of Financial Aid to enhance operational efficiency, improve student outcomes, and achieve department goals.
• Maintains detailed records of all student interactions and ensures financial aid documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in financial aid, student services, customer service, or a related field.
• Strong customer service orientation with a genuine passion for helping others.
• Detail-focused with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and counseling skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
• Must be eligible to enroll in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

Nice to Have

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Prior experience in higher education or financial aid administration.
• Familiarity with Title IV regulations and institutional financial aid policies.
• An understanding of financial literacy principles and student loan repayment options.