Financial Aid Officer (On-site in Sarasota) Plus 1K Sign-On Bonus

Arizona College of Nursing is a rapidly growing nursing school that transforms people’s lives by preparing them for careers in nursing and improving communities through the care its graduates provide. As a leading nurse educator, we offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s in nursing in 3 years or less with qualified transfer credits. Our quality nursing curriculum prepares students for an in-demand career to help communities overcome the chronic, well-known, and increasing nursing shortage.

About the role

The Financial Aid Officer (FAO) serves as the first-level position within the financial aid colleague job family. FAOs are essential in supporting student success by delivering personalized, proactive financial aid guidance throughout the student lifecycle—from initial enrollment to graduation.

Responsibilities

• Financial Aid Counseling & Support
  • 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.
• 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.

At Arizona College of Nursing, we believe in a collaborative approach where all colleagues work together toward our shared goals. The responsibilities listed may evolve as the organization grows.

Requirements

• 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).

Qualifications (Preferred)

• 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.
• Generous PTO and holiday benefits.
• Robust health and welfare benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) with company match.

Schedule

Position is fully onsite at an assigned campus.