Financial Aid Advisor

Job Description

Job Description

Financial Aid Advisor

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Student Affairs

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

Minimum 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; with occasional evenings and weekends during peak registration and financial aid periods.

Summary/Objective of Position:

This is a grant-supported position with funding currently approved through September 30, 2026.

Under the supervision of the Financial Aid Manager, the Financial Aid Advisor serves as the primary resource for students and their families in navigating the financial aid process. This position provides advising and guidance on federal, state, tribal, and institutional aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. The Advisor is responsible for evaluating student eligibility, interpreting regulations, and ensuring compliance with all applicable financial aid policies and procedures. In addition, the Financial Aid Advisor will assist in administering the Tribal College Education and Workforce Scholarship Program, which supports students pursuing academic and career training opportunities that align with workforce needs in Arizona.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to reflect the current job accurately, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Student Advising & Counseling: 25%
  • Provide one-on-one and group advising to students, prospective students, and families regarding financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
  • Assist students in completing the FAFSA, scholarship applications, and other required documents.
  • Explain financial aid award packages, grant requirements, and work-study opportunities.
  • Educate students on financial aid award packages, grant requirements, and work-study opportunities.
  • Educate students on financial literacy topics, including budgeting, financial planning, and debt prevention strategies.
  • Serve as a resource to promote understanding of financial aid policies and encourage responsible management of funding resources.

• Financial Aid Processing & Compliance: 25%
  • Evaluate and verify financial aid eligibility in compliance with federal, state, tribal, and institutional policies.
  • Accurately review, process, and maintain student financial aid applications and supporting documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with Title IV federal student aid programs, tribal scholarship requirements, and institutional guidelines.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential student records in the student information system and financial aid management system.
  • Support regular audits and reporting processes to meet compliance and accountability standards.

• Tribal College Education and Workforce Scholarship Program: 25%
  • Assist in administering the Tribal College Education and Workforce Scholarship Program, including application review, eligibility determination, award processing, and program reporting.
  • Assist in supporting the grant management of the Tribal College Education and Workforce Scholarship Program, including processing Purchase Requisitions, activity coordination, and marketing aid, activities, etc.
  • Conduct outreach, presentations, and workshops to increase awareness and participation in the scholarship program.

• Collaboration and Team Support: 15%
  • Partner with Admissions, Registrar, Student Success, and other college departments to support student onboarding, retention, and completion initiatives.
  • Provide high-quality customer service to students sand families while assisting in resolving financial aid concerns.
  • Support the Financial Aid Manager with projects, reporting, and program development activities.

• Professional Development & Continuous Improvement: 5%
  • Stay up to date on federal, state, and tribal financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices.
  • Participate in professional development workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
  • Identify and recommend improvements to financial aid processes to better serve students and improve efficiency.

• Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience working in financial aid, higher education student services, counseling, or related fields.
• OR equivalent experience may be considered – an additional three (3) years of directly related professional experience may substitute for the required Associate degree.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, Accounting, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience working in financial aid, higher education student services, counseling, or related fields.
• OR equivalent experience may be considered – an additional five (5) years of directly related professional experience may substitute for the required Bachelor's degree.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge and administration of Federal, State, and Tribal financial aid programs with the Federal, State, Tribal, and institutional compliance.
• Experience in presentations, webinars, or digital resources in the area of Financial Literacy.
• Experience in processing student financial aid through a relational database system is desired.
• Experience in Financial Aid or Educational software programs (Jenzabar, PowerFAIDS, etc.).

Skills:

• Proficient skills with Microsoft (MS365): Excel, Word, etc.
• Must have strong project management and organizational abilities and skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; writing, oral, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Work effectively in team situations.
• Excellent customer service skills using tact and diplomacy; professional and pleasant office manner.
• Excellent listening skills; patient and calm.

Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize information in a timely manner;
• Ability to communicate clearly by phone and in person;
• Detail-oriented and able to organize and manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and issues;
• Ability to understand and explain to others technical information in a manner that is easily understood.
• Ability to create presentations, webinars, and create resources.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data;
• Ability to adapt to system, process, and procedure changes.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

• Work is typically done in an office work environment;
• At times, the Financial Aid Advisor is required to lift typical office equipment and supplies;
• Travel required to other campuses and sites;
• Travel required by vehicle and at times by air to conferences and training out of state;
• Able to work in a high-pressure office setting during peak business times of the year.

Other Requirement(s):

• Valid State Driver's License;
• Candidate must clear a pre-employment background check to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and tribal Financial Aid regulations.