Student Financial Aid Advisor

Essential Functions:

50%: Provide advisement to students and families on all phases of the financial aid process, including how the components may work in conjunction with each other. Respond to inquiries about student financial aid and student-account-related issues. Advise students and families on all aspects of the financial relationship with the institution, including how the components work in conjunction with each other. Serve as a subject matter expert on student affordability, financial aid application procedures, federal protocol and verification, student and institutional budgeting, maintaining aid eligibility, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. Display independent judgment and problem-solving while demonstrating professional quality interpersonal and written communication to deliver consistent, understandable, and thorough guidance. Able to speak with students and families about sensitive content, while still protecting the federal confidentiality requirements related to student data. Assist with completing appeals and exercise professional judgment in accordance with federal regulations. Perform duties related to requirement events and activities.

20%: Perform technical data-related tasks as back-up resources related to the timely awarding and distribution of student financial aid. Work in tandem with departmental associates to complete program tasks, review outputs and error reports, and evaluate inconsistencies. Complete tasks with a high level of accuracy and in compliance with federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations. Work closely with external agencies to address any problems related to the delivery of aid programs.

15%: Liaise with assigned departments across the campus to provide contextual insight, information, and support for their financial-related questions related to student affordability. Support other departmental procedures that interact with the departments for which the position liaises to ensure the timely processing and resource allocations to their students.

10%: Provide customer service support for the student-accounts area by interfacing how financial aid and student billing needs impact one another. Serve as the subject matter expert also practices their tactical by assisting other teammates within the Office of Student Financial Aid to inform context and maintain the greatest degree of tactical student support possible to maintain the accuracy of guidance provided.

5%: Perform other duties as assigned to be department objectives.

Additional Position Information:

Required Qualifications: Requires a bachelor's degree. Requires a minimum of two years of higher education experience in providing advisement to students and families in a financial aid environment or a closely related customer service experience in a professional setting outside of or preferably in higher education. Computer skills must include familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Flexibility to navigate within a team-centered environment built to resolve the most important challenges of the day and a willingness to request help when needed. Ability to work independently using excellent interpersonal and written communication skills required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent judgment skills to resolve issues professionally and collaboratively required.

Preferred Qualification: Demonstrated experience with data integrity and accuracy preferred and a general familiarity with collegiate financial aid is preferred. Experience working with sensitive or confidential information is preferred. Experience presenting financial aid concepts and related information to groups is preferred. Knowledge and experience with financial aid software including COD, NSLDS, FSA Partner Connect and Portal preferred.

Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.

Application Deadline: Review of applicants will begin July 21, 2025, and continue through August 6, 2025.

Compensation: $45,000 annually

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Judy Casserman

Email:

judy1@uakron.edu

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Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.