Position Title:

Financial Aid Assistant

Position Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

35

Location:

101 Financial Aid House

Categories:

Staff Non-exempt

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the Office of Financial Aid operations by providing exceptional service and administrative expertise. This position serves as the primary point of contact for students, families, and campus partners, providing clear and accurate guidance on financial aid processes, eligibility, and documentation. The Assistant is responsible for reviewing and verifying financial aid application materials to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Additionally, the role involves the development of Study Abroad Cost Estimate Sheets. The Assistant also contributes to office operations through purchasing, billing management, and other administrative functions. All duties are carried out in strict adherence to confidentiality standards and institutional regulations to ensure compliance with both internal policies and external guidelines.

This full-time, 12-month, non-exempt, benefits-eligible staff position requires 35 hours of work per week.

Job Duties:

Reporting Relationships / Direct reports:   

• The position reports to the Director of Financial Aid and the Senior Associate Director

What You'll Do:

• Communication and Customer Service (35%): Serve as the primary point of contact for students, families and campus partners regarding financial aid inquiries. Provide accurate and clear information on financial aid processes, policies, and eligibility requirements. Proactively guide students and families through the financial aid application process including the FAFSA, CSS PROFILE, and other required documentation. 

  Manage front-line communications for the Office of Financial Aid, effectively addressing inquiries from students, parents, and visitors with professionalism and empathy, ensuring accurate information dissemination and the protection of sensitive information.

• Financial Aid Application Review and Preparation (25%): Review and verify the completeness and accuracy of submitted financial aid documentation, including federal income tax returns and other required materials, to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Identify missing information or inconsistencies and communicate necessary information to families in a clear and timely manner. Guide families through the financial aid application process, providing detailed information about requirements and assisting with document submission. Upload, organize, and maintain accurate application records in financial aid systems, including Banner and Etrieve, ensuring data integrity and compliance. Proactively identify and report trends or recurring issues in application submissions to support continuous process improvements.

• Office Administration (30%): Manage the Financial Aid Office’s primary email account, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries from students, families, and campus partners.  Lead the development and maintenance of comprehensive cost estimate sheets for all off-campus study programs, collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial aid policies. Provide expert guidance to students and families navigating the FAFSA application process, troubleshooting technical issues, and addressing complex questions regarding eligibility and submission. Serve as the primary backup to the Financial Aid Office Coordinator, assuming responsibility for critical administrative functions, including office budget management, invoice processing, facilities coordination, and athletic financial aid processing.

• Office Coordination with Staff (10%): Assist the Financial Aid Counselors and Associate Directors with any items related to study abroad, entrance/exit counseling, ad-hoc reporting, and on-campus financial aid events and activities. Contribute to the overall positive office culture by supporting colleagues and promoting teamwork.

• Non-Essential Functions: The job description's listed responsibilities and tasks are not exhaustive, additional non-essential task and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Work Setting:

• On-campus, student facing

What You'll Bring:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Customer service related experience

Knowledge Areas and Skills:

• Must b