Financial Aid Officer (On-site in Falls Church)

About the role

Arizona College of Nursing is a rapidly growing nursing school that transforms lives by preparing students for nursing careers and improving communities through the care its graduates provide. As a leading nurse educator, the college offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's in nursing in 3 years or less with qualified transfer credits. The Financial Aid Officer (FAO) serves as the first-level position within the financial aid colleague job family, supporting student success by delivering personalized, proactive financial aid guidance throughout the student lifecycle—from initial enrollment to graduation.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Clearly 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

• 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)

Preferred qualifications

• 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