Financial Aid Advisor (2 positions)

Salary : $69,804.12 - $76,959.24 Annually
Location : 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 09914
Department: Student Services
Division: Financial Aid
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Probationary Period: Six months
Work Shift: See posting for work schedule details.
Salary Schedule/Range: CFT-47

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday 10:30 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. and Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 P.M.

Note: This is a grant-funded position.
Under the general supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Advisor independently reviews, analyzes and revises student financial aid application data based on verification documents and change of circumstance appeals; calculates, awards and revises aid eligibility; provides on-campus and off-campus outreach and student advising; advises students and parents, particularly those with difficult circumstances; and coordinates aid awards from other offices and agencies. This position is responsible for independently handling the most difficult and complex financial aid cases. The Advisor maintains confidentiality according to FERPA and industry best practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Provide advising throughout the financial aid process to prospective, new and current students and their families as well as campus partners. Must have a thorough knowledge of available types of financial aid, scholarships, and general student eligibility criteria.
2. Assesses student eligibility in keeping with federal, state, and institutional regulatory requirements and established policies and procedures.
3. Exercises professional judgement regarding income appeals, dependency appeals and cost of attendance appeals.
4. Advises students and performs verification as part of an assigned case load to resolve conflicting information and satisfy reporting requirements.
5. Performs outreach and recruitment activities, representing the College and the Financial Aid Office in community activities as needed.
6. Maintain and update policies and procedures on an annual basis.
7. Assists students in the financial aid application process.
8. Provides technical advice and support to Financial Aid staff including creating reports, data extracts and data analysis.
9. Monitors ability to benefit and satisfactory academic progress relative to aid eligibility and refers students to appropriate resources on and off campus.
10. Assists in the overall administration of the Office of Financial Aid.
11. Participate in professional development activities which may include webinars, workshops and conference attendance.
12. At the request of a supervisor, performs a variety of unscheduled duties normally and traditionally performed by a Financial Aid Advisor.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree
• Two years direct experience in student financial aid

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four years of experience in a financial aid setting with demonstrably increasing experience and responsibility

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Financial aid rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to comply with federal, state, and local laws
• California Educational Code; Title IV; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); Federal Student Aid Handbook
• Objectives and technical aspects of financial aid programs and activities
• Computer applications and programs that support this level of work, including financial aid databases, information systems, spreadsheet, presentation, and data management tools
• Principles, techniques and processes for providing customer service practices

SKILL TO:

• Financial aid verification tools and processes
• Public speaking and presenting

ABILITY TO:

• Organize, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgement within areas of assigned responsibility
• Interpret, apply, explain and reach sound decisions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and District policies and procedures
• Pay attention to detail and make accurate calculations and assessments when analyzing and correcting complex errors in student records
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Complete work with multiple interruptions and distractions
• Understand detailed technical knowledge and procedural requirements for assigned program
• Organize and maintain specialized files and confidentiality of employee and student information
• Stay abreast of technology changes and adapt to new technologies
• Operate a computer using computer applications, programs and standard office equipment
• Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff
• Role model exceptional internal and external customer service
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, staff, students, the public and others encountered in the course of work, in a diverse, multicultural and multi-ethnic educational environment

Core Competencies: The District has identified the following essential skills and attributes needed for success in this position.

• Financial Aid Eligibility Analysis & Award Calculation
• Verification & Appeals Processing
• Complex Case Resolution & Independent Judgment
• Student & Parent Advising
• Federal & State Financial Aid Compliance
• FERPA & Confidentiality Stewardship
• Outreach & Community Engagement
• Interagency Aid Coordination

Salary Range:
CFT-47


APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Pasadena City College (PCC) utilizes an online application process. Hard copy, e-mailed, or faxed resumes are not accepted. Job postings will not be reopened due to failure to submit an application before the closing date for any reason . You can apply for a position from any computer with Internet access. Please keep in mind the following:

• If you do not follow the process or your application/resume is incomplete, your information will not be processed.
• If you need to update any submitted information, you will need to reapply in full. When HR sees duplicate applications, we archive the oldest and the most recent application and materials are considered.
• The selection advisory committee will review, evaluate, and consider applications and supporting materials received by the deadline. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a particular position does not assure the applicant an interview.
• While the acceptance of the application packet is done through PCC's Applicant Tracking System (ATS), all hiring decisions are made by a hiring committee.
• Once applications are submitted, they are final. Please carefully review your application and the documents which you are attaching to make sure that they are free from errors and complete. If you require assistance with your application, please refer to the application guide or you may contact NeoEd Customer Support at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Customer Support is available Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. (PST).

All materials listed below may be required for your application packet to be considered complete:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

After a review of applications received, the District may require the completion and submission of supplemental documents prior to the interview process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Successful applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of background check including Live Scan and Tuberculosis (TB) assessment/screening.
• Pasadena Area Community College District will not sponsor any visa applications.
• Applicants must be available for interviews at Pasadena City College at no cost to the District.
• Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Office of Human Resources directly at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
• The Pasadena Area Community College District does not discriminate in the educational programs and activities operated by the District or in employment procedures and practices of the District. The Policies of Title IX as developed to date are available for inspection during normal business hours at the District office at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106.
• Crime awareness and campus security information are available from Campus Police. (Public Law 101-542).
• The Pasadena Area Community College District is an equal opportunity employer. The District encourages applications from underrepresented minorities and the disabled.
• An applicant, who attempts to contact individual Board members or members of the screening committee with the intent of influencing the decision of the committee or the Board, will be disqualified. General inquiries regarding the position and/or District employment should be directed to the Office of Human Resources.

PASADENA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Equal Opportunity, Title IX, Section 504 Employer
At Pasadena City College, we are committed to supporting our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that enhances your life both inside and outside of work. Our benefits include a generous holiday schedule, ample sick time, and flexible vacation policies to ensure you have the time you need to rest and rejuvenate. For detailed information about our benefits, please view our
01


All applicants are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will provide information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the screening and selection process.Be concise yet specific and informative in your responses to these supplemental questions. "See resume," attachments or links will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to the questions in the following boxes. Incomplete responses will not be considered. Please indicate below that you have read and understand these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02


I understand that my application will be considered incomplete if any required sections of the application are not completed and/or if any documents that are required are not attached to my online application by the closing date.

• Yes
• No

03


Please specify your highest level of education.

• High School or equivalent (GED)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Juris Doctor
• Doctorate Degree

04


How many years of direct experience do you have working in student financial aid?

• 1 Year
• 2 Years
• 3 Years
• 4 Years
• 5 Years or more

05


Indicate where you have worked to obtain at least two years of experience working in student financial aid.What was the time frame, what was the employer's name and describe the work performed. This section is required.
06


Do you have work experience in Higher Education?

• Yes
• No

07


Which of the following best describes your experience with Title IV federal financial aid regulations?

• A. No experience
• B. Limited exposure with guidance from others
• C. Working knowledge and regular application
• D. Advanced knowledge with independent decision-making and training others

08


Which statement best describes your experience advising students and families regarding financial aid eligibility and processes?

• A. No direct advising experience
• B. Limited advising experience
• C. Regularly advised students and families one-on-one
• D. Extensive experience advising diverse student populations, including difficult or sensitive situations

09


Describe how you have demonstrated sensitivity and understanding in delivery of services and support to a diverse workforce and student population (diverse in terms of socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic background). This section is required.
Required Question