Senior Financial Aid Advisor
Southern Methodist University Inc

Dallas, Texas

This job has expired.


Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

The Financial Aid Office at Southern Methodist University is committed to serving students by providing information to secure the necessary financial resources to meet their educational goals and financial obligations to the university. Our financial aid advisors offer personal attention to help explore a multitude of available scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans.

About the Position:

The Senior Financial Aid Advisor evaluates and analyzes financial information for an Undergraduate Caseload in accordance with established federal, state and University rules and regulations so students/families can fund their educational costs. This position provides customer service and counseling related to financial services, aid options and resources to prospective and current students and families as well as processes and awards financial aid to a specific caseload of approximated 1000 undergraduate students. Responsibilities serving as the primary Financial Aid contact for Study Abroad office, Intersession office, and the Taos office.

Essential Functions:

  • Process and award financial aid to students in a caseload of approximately 1,000 undergraduate students including prospective, new first-year, transfer and continuing students. Award aid for all standard (fall/spring) and non-standard terms including Jan, May. Works with Study Abroad closely on time lines, need assessments, budgets and awarding scholarships.
  • Review Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile application for complete and accurate information. Resolve any errors, omissions, discrepancies and/or conflicting information before financial aid awards are completed and disbursed as defined by the federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations. Contact student to resolve any outstanding issues/problems.
  • Assist students with completion of financial aid process and meet (in-person, email, phone, other media) with students and their families to discuss financial aid eligibility. Counsel students and families about financial aid options and help students and families evaluate choices for financing options.
  • Serving as the primary FA contact for Study abroad office, Intersession office, and the Taos office. Support Sr. FA Management with compliance and training activities. This position serves as a focal point for updates to budgets for FA for all UG programs. Admissions liaison for KIPP students.
  • Review, evaluate, and re-award student aid, as needed, to comply with federal, state and institutional policy and regulations by using the following reporting products: Hour Audit (at census date of each term), budget audit report, over-award report, authorization/disbursement failure report, update decisions of the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), Audit of Professional Judgment actions, and others as required.
  • Exercise Professional Judgment based on experience and expertise to make appropriate adjustments to financial information that may impact aid eligibility. Obtain and review all the proper documentation to initiate a financial aid appeal and submit all materials to Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Contact students and families directly to inform them of Financial Aid Appeals Committee decision regarding changes to financial aid eligibility or dependency status.
  • Participate in financial aid presentations to campus, high school and community events and college nights. Serve and contribute as a member of departmental committees including the Communications Committee, Forms Committee, and updating Brochures. Assist with other Enrollment Services areas as needed.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest regulations as they pertain to financial aid and complete required training and other duties as assigned. Reply to Financial Aid e-mails and telephone calls; attend all Financial Aid Advisor and Division meetings.


Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required.

A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in Financial Aid or equivalent higher education experience is required.

Public speaking and experience giving presentations is preferred.

Requires experience working with Federal, State, and Institutional forms of aid programs as well as the regulations that govern each type of aid.

Familiarity with PeopleSoft Higher Education System and PeopleSoft Financial Aid module is preferred.

Experience with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to interface well with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must have effective relationship building with students, administration, faculty, and staff.

Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to clearly and effectively communicate with individuals as well as groups.

Candidate must possess excellent organizational skills including effective planning and time management.

Must be attentive to details and highly accurate.

Candidate must demonstrate strong problem solving skills and analytical skills. Problems can be varied, complex where new concepts and approaches may need to be developed.

Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.

Must be willing and able to work in the evenings or weekends as required for peak awarding periods.

This position requires occasional travel for high school presentations and financial aid seminars and conferences.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
  • Sit for long periods of time
  • Handle objects (dexterity)
Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.


This job has expired.

Get Hired Faster

Subscribe to job alerts and upload your resume!

*By registering with our site, you agree to our
Terms and Privacy Policy.

More Education and Training jobs


Stride, Inc.
Richmond, Virginia
Posted about 4 hours ago
University of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
$15.00 per hour
Posted about 3 hours ago
University of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
Posted about 3 hours ago
View Education and Training jobs ยป