Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is looking for a detailed, customer-focused individual to join our team as a Financial Aid Advisor. This position administers financial aid programs including, ensures compliance with state and federal financial aid regulations, educates students about financial aid programs and helps students navigate the process of paying for college.

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to transforming lives by expanding access to higher education through high-quality, student-centered services, the team supports student success and empowerment. The office fosters a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement, professional growth, and employee well-being.

This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the Financial Aid Director and Assistant Directors with the administration and implementation of internal and external financial aid programs including Alternative Loan Processing, financial aid for study abroad, consortium agreements and other programs and processes as directed.
• Review documentation and make decisions about student eligibility for Federal Title IV Financial Aid in accordance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Awards financial aid to students.
• Interpret and maintain compliance with federal laws and regulations related to administration of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, state laws and regulations, external agency/entity rules and policies, and SDBOR, University, and Office of Financial Aid policies.
• Assist with NCAA Compliance.
• Develop and disseminate financial aid program information and materials to students, prospective students, staff, families, high school counselors, and other external constituents.
• Conduct individual financial aid counseling with students.
• Make implementation decisions related to financial aid programs, establishing, documenting, and updating work processes and procedures for financial aid programs.
• Collect data, create reports, and evaluate effectiveness of financial aid programs with recommendations on implementation of improvements and efficiencies.
• Coordinate program services with other SDSU and non-SDSU work units. Serves as program liaison to other SDSU Departments and outside entities.
• Use critical reasoning and engages in high level problem solving to assist constituents and implement programs.

Benefits:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of: Computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Student information systems such as Banner Student/Financial Aid desired.
• Skill & Ability to: Strong written communication skills with ability to write procedures and create concise, compliant, and informative correspondence, presentations, and other written content for internal and external constituents. Strong verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills including ability to easily develop rapport with students and other constituents. Interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations. Exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and prioritizing work. Interpret and balance department, University, and Federal/State financial aid program objectives and develop efficient, customer-focused and compliant practical applications and solutions. Apply basic accounting skills and use algebra to add subtract and to calculate percentages and ratios. Maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One or more years of experience working in financial aid
• One or more National Association of Financial Aid Administrators credentials

Application Procedures:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on "apply for this job." This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.