Financial Aid Assistant

Administrative Assistant For Financial Aid & Admissions

Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansasaffectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts communityBethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting.

Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America.

At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

The Administrative Assistant for Financial Aid and Admissions plays a dual support role across two of Bethany's most student-facing offices. This position provides essential operational support to the Director of Financial Aid and to the staff in the admissions department. The role requires a detail-oriented, service-minded professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to providing exceptional experiences for students and families throughout the enrollment journey. This is a key role for meeting and greeting visitors to the Campus Welcome Center while providing clerical support to the financial aid and admissions offices.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain working knowledge of the Federal Student Aid Handbook, as well as federal, state, and local regulations for administering financial aid
• Counsel students and parents on financial aid opportunities and processes, including budgeting and debt management
• Request additional information for incomplete or inconsistent applications needed for accurate awarding of financial aid
• Interact effectively with students, parents, campus departments, lenders, and funding sources
• Enter, access, and maintain data integrity within database systems
• Provide continual evaluation of processes and procedures to improve operations, efficiency, and customer service
• Participate in team meetings, conferences, and training sessions
• Print letters and labels for prospective and current students; assist with bulk mailings
• Process returned mail and work to obtain updated addresses
• Review Admissions Inbox
• Assist with event days
• Backup the Campus Visit Coordinator as needed with campus visit components
• Serve as a warm, professional point of contact for prospective students and families before, during, and after their visit
• Organize and maintain the campus welcome area to ensure it is inviting, orderly, and well-stocked
• Answer and route incoming calls on a multi-line phone system for Admissions, Financial Aid, and the broader campus
• Maintain word processing and Excel documents; assist with data entry database systems
• Support smooth office operations through strong organizational systems and attention to detail
• Participate in team meetings, providing input and suggestions for process improvement

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School Diploma
• Experience in computerized systems and knowledge of office equipment
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, particularly regarding financial aid and student records
• Strong work ethic dedicated to completing the job
• Excellent organizational skills
• Willingness to adapt to a changing technology environment (i.e., updates, security, and new versions)
• Ability to use multiple internet browsers; competent in email and document management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both in person and by phone/email
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, people-facing environment with frequent schedule changes
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with student employees
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing abilities
• Microsoft Office, computer knowledge, and knowledge of office equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community-at-large
• Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be very results-oriented
• Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment

Preferred:

• Associate's Degree
• Previous higher education experience, particularly in financial aid, admissions, or student services
• Experience with Jenzabar J1, COGNOS, or similar CRM/student information systems
• Prior experience supervising or training student employees
• Bilingual in Spanish or knowledge of additional languages
• Familiarity with small, private, or rural colleges and relational recruitment models

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position; approximately 40 hours per week
• On-site work performed indoors in a traditional office environment with ambient room temperatures, lighting, and standard office equipment
• Schedule may vary based on campus visit volume, financial aid deadlines, and event needs
• Some evening and weekend hours required during peak enrollment periods, Preview Days, and the beginning/end of semesters

Administrative Physical Skills and Abilities:

• This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, lift, and perform routine office tasks throughout the workday.
• Employees must have adequate hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and visual ability to operate office equipment, use a computer, and handle documents.
• May require reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting as required to file documents or store materials.
• Proper lifting techniques required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Tuition remission benefits
• Professional Development Funds
• Possible Relocation Assistance
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment

How to Apply:

• Apply online at Employment
• Submit resume and cover letter

EEO:

Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.