Financial Aid Officer (On-Site) - Plus $1K Sign-On Bonus!

About the role

We are looking for a Financial Aid Officer to join our new Atlanta Campus! This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of an organization that values growth, innovation, and helping students succeed.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 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, understanding of financial literacy principles and student loan repayment options.