Financial Aid Advisor

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:
Professional Staff - Academic Affairs

Workstudy Position:

No
Job Type:
Regular

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that's redefining higher education. We're on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. We're committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas's rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state's varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Department:
Financial Aid Operations

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:
The Financial Aid Advisor serves as a primary resource and advocate for students and families navigating the financial aid process. The Financial Aid Advisor provides personalized counseling, education, and support to help students understand their options, meet eligibility requirements, and overcome financial barriers. They assist with applications, awarding, and eligibility resolution while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. The Financial Aid Advisor provides responsive and compassionate customer service, collaborates with campus partners, and manages assigned financial aid programs, and maintains current knowledge of applicable regulations and policies. The position reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Benefits.
Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Work Experience: Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree and one year of experience in financial aid and/or higher education. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements. .

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: Experience in a college or university financial aid office, including direct experience administering and processing multiple federal, state, institutional, scholarship, loan, or work-study programs and interpreting applicable regulations and policies. Experience with financial aid counseling, student information systems such as Workday, and resolving complex student financial aid situations is preferred.

Summary of Job Duties:

• 25% - Student Counseling and Financial Aid Advising: Provide individualized financial aid counseling to prospective and current students and their families. Explain financial aid options, eligibility requirements, award offers, cost of attendance, student account charges, and available resources. Assist students in understanding how enrollment decisions may affect their financial aid and help identify solutions to financial aid-related barriers. Provide accurate, compassionate, and student-centered guidance while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• 30% - Financial Aid Eligibility, Compliance, and Processing: Assist students with the financial aid application process and electronic financial aid procedures. Review applications and supporting documentation, determine financial aid eligibility, and process federal, state, institutional, and scholarship awards in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. Complete verification, resolve eligibility requirements, monitor overawards, and make necessary adjustments to financial aid. Monitor student financial aid action items and take appropriate action to maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. Identify and resolve issues that may affect a student's eligibility or receipt of financial aid and refer complex or unusual circumstances for additional review.
• 10% - Student Assistance, Customer Service Delivery, and Front Counter Support: Provide timely, professional, and responsive assistance to students and families through in-person, telephone, email, virtual, and other communication channels. Serve at the Financial Aid Office front counter as assigned, greet and assist visitors, respond to routine questions, triage student needs, and refer students to the appropriate staff member or campus resource. During peak periods, including registration, financial aid application deadlines, award processing, and the beginning of academic terms, assist with increased front-counter traffic, telephone and email volume, student queues, and other service demands. Communicate complex financial aid information clearly and respectfully, maintain confidentiality, and contribute to an organized, welcoming, and student-centered service environment.
• 15% - Program or Functional Area Responsibility: Serve as the primary staff resource and processor for two or more assigned financial aid programs or functional areas, such as Federal Work-Study, Foundation or institutional scholarships, athletic scholarships, state programs, Parent PLUS Loans, alternative loans, Return of Title IV funds, outside scholarships, or other designated programs. Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations and procedures, monitor assigned processes, and provide guidance and support to students and staff.
• 10% - Financial Aid Outreach and Education: Participate in financial aid outreach and educational activities, including presentations, workshops, orientation programs, recruitment events, and visits to area high schools or community organizations. Educate students, families, and campus partners about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategies for paying for college.
• 5% - Collaboration and Professional Accountability: Work collaboratively with campus stakeholders and department colleagues to support a positive, student-centered work environment. Demonstrate professionalism in communication and conduct, foster teamwork, and provide support to colleagues and students. Maintain a consistent, service-oriented approach in all institutional interactions while contributing to a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement. Demonstrate reliability through consistent, regular, and punctual attendance.
• 5% - Other Duties and Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Financial Aid Office and University mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Ability to listen, explain complex financial aid information clearly, and provide individualized guidance to students and families.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with students, families, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Ability to analyze information, interpret requirements, exercise sound judgment, and resolve financial aid-related issues.
• Ability to manage detailed information accurately, identify discrepancies, maintain accurate records, and meet established deadlines.
• Commitment to providing responsive, professional, empathetic, and student-centered service.
• Knowledge of FERPA and applicable financial aid regulations and ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard student information.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and student needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations, policies, procedures, technology, and student needs while demonstrating initiative.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and campus partners to support departmental and institutional goals.
• Strong computer skills and ability to effectively use student information systems, Microsoft Office applications, reporting tools, and other technology used in financial aid operations.
• Ability to clearly and effectively present financial aid information to individuals and groups.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgment, reliability, dependability, and accountability in daily work.

Additional Information:

Working Relationships: Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with UAFS students and families, administrators, staff, faculty, and other campus partners, as well as alumni, campus guests, donors, and community members.

List Employees Supervised: No direct line of supervision or disciplinary responsibilities.

Special Job Dimensions: Work performed primarily in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. The employee frequently sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to 50 pounds. Routine work schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm with occasional overtime and travel required

Background Check Requirements. Criminal Background Check, Financial Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Information:

$40,000/year

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Full consideration will be given to applications received by October 9, 2026.

Recruitment Contact Information:

HR
View phone number on click.appcast.io

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site


Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:
Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting
Frequent Physical Activity:
Reaching, Talking
Occasional Physical Activity:
Feeling, Grasping, Standing, Walking
Benefits Eligible:
Yes