Financial Aid Advisor
Southern Methodist University Inc

Dallas, Texas

Posted in Education and Training


This job has expired.

Job Info


Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience & 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 Position:

The Financial Aid Advisor evaluates and analyzes financial information submitted by applicants to determine eligibility for financial assistance, and determines the type and amount of aid to be awarded in accordance with established federal, state and University rules and regulations so that students and families can fund educational expenses. This position provides customer service and counseling related to financial services, aid options and resources to prospective and current students and families. The incumbent must interpret all federal, state and University regulations specific to the awarding of all financial aid at SMU and, as needed, participate in community financial aid presentations.

Essential Functions:

  • Process and award financial aid to students in a targeted caseload of undergraduate students which may prospective, new first-year, transfer and continuing students. Award aid for all standard (fall/spring) and non-standard terms including January, May, Summer, and August terms in accordance to proscribed awarding parameters and sequence.
  • 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 or problems.
  • Assist students with completion of financial aid process and meet with students and their families to discuss financial aid eligibility. Counsel students and families about financial aid options.
  • 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.
  • Reply to e-mail and telephone calls from students, parents and institutional colleagues. This is a major task completed daily, due to complexity of questions regarding a student's financial aid awards, missing documents, and conflicting or discrepant information.
  • 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 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 Communications, Forms, 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. Attend all Financial Aid Advisor and Division meetings.


Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High school diploma is required; Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Two years of experience in Financial Aid work in a university setting, or five years' experience in closely related field, is required.

Experience dealing with customers, either internal or external customers, is required.

Public speaking and experience giving presentations is preferred. Must be comfortable doing Financial Aid presentations on and off campus in person, as well as by Zoom.

Experience with MS Word, Excel and Outlook is required. PeopleSoft experience is preferred. Must possess the ability to quickly learn new computer applications.

Management experience is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and positively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to respond clearly and promptly to email and phone inquiries.

Candidate must be able to conduct effective presentations to large groups.

Candidate must have excellent customer service skills.

The candidate must be able to handle information with complete confidentiality and professionalism.

Candidate must have well developed organizational skills that include effective planning and time management skills.

Must be attentive to details and able to provide accurate information.

Candidate must demonstrate strong problem solving skills and analytical skills.

Must be self-directed, setting goals and determining how to accomplish results.

Must be willing and able to work in the evening or on the weekend during peak awarding times.

This position requires occasional local/regional travel, for high school presentations and financial aid seminars and conferences.

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.
COVID Vaccination:

SMU must comply with President Biden's Executive Order (EO) 14042 requiring those that receive federal contracts and their employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they apply for and are granted an exemption for religious or medical reasons.

For more information regarding this requirement, please visit our website.
Physical and Environmental Demands:

This position must be able to sit for long periods of time.

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.


This job has expired.

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