Financial Aid Officer (On-Site)

Essential Functions

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

File Compliance & Processing

• Accurately package and process financial aid awards in full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Ensure student records are complete and up to date to facilitate timely and accurate disbursement of financial aid.
• Proactively identify and resolve inconsistencies in student accounts to maintain financial integrity.
• Stay informed on changes to financial aid laws, policies and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and service excellence.

Student Retention & Success

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

Collaboration & Communication

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

Qualifications

• Professional demeanor, the ability to work independently, understand goals and deadlines, and possess excellent communication and organizational skills.
• 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).

Skills

• Nice to have:
• An 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.
• Dynamic organizational culture within a supportive working environment.
• Rest and relaxation with generous PTO and holiday benefits.
• Robust health and welfare benefits package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision.
• Preparation for the future with a 401(k) and company match.