Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm
Job Summary: The Financial Aid Advisor counsels and advises students, parents, grandparents, guardians, faculty/staff and other interested parties on a wide variety of financial aid matters. Administers federal aid funding and resolves financial aid issues.
Additional Department Summary: This position applies a vast array of knowledge regarding federal aid programs, private lending procedures, and university policies to each student account under review to maintain continued compliance and eligibility for Title IV funding which is regarded as one of the most complex and regulated fields in higher education.
Federal Student Aid is regulated and audited by the U.S. Department of Education annually providing oversight and monitoring of all Title IV programs. Institutional participants are to ensure compliance with the federal regulations and policies governing the federal student aid programs. Failure to meet compliance could result in loss of institutional eligibility. At The University of Alabama, Federal funding for educational purposes that process through Student Financial Aid exceed $250 million dollars annually from the various federal aid programs with approximately 60% of the student body receiving federal, institutional and/or private funding.
Federal financial aid is essential for many prospective students pursuing higher education and for retention of current students. Advisors inform students of public, institutional and private resources available for educational expenses by evaluating the financial need of applicants and applying knowledge of each Federal Title IV program to the needs of that specific student. This position plays a crucial role in advising incoming students pursuing all degree levels on their decision to attend The University of Alabama and continues this advising each year for returning students. Advisors must be consistent in upholding the highest standard of customer service to students and parents. Advisors use their knowledge and judgment to award federal aid to individual students by appropriately utilizing resources to maximize Enrollment Management goals.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience. Related student employment experience will be considered. To be considered student experience, it must be detailed in the employment section on the application.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.
Skills and Knowledge: To be successful, an Advisor must have excellent public speaking skills, good verbal communication skills, possess effective listening skills, be able to meet and address diverse publics and effectively work with concerned clients. Exceptional customer service skills are necessary. Superior organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are required. Computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database management.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, marketing, communications, education, counseling or related field; OR bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with a minimum of one (1) year financial aid experience at a major university to include a basic knowledge of federal student aid programs.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster
As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.