Financial Aid Advisor
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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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 Financial Aid Office:

The Financial Aid Office at Southern Methodist University is committed to serving students by providing services and 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 Financial Aid Advisor develops a thorough knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid topics to counsel students and parents about receiving financial aid at SMU. The Financial Aid Advisor provides professional advising service for undergraduate and/or graduate students, with primary responsibilities for transfer student aid support. When requested the Financial Aid Advisor evaluates and assesses documented changes in financial circumstances that occur in a student's family during the course of an academic year and exercises professional judgment in making adjustments to data elements in the formula that determines ability to pay. The Financial Aid Advisor is instrumental in the development of financial aid programs, including event planning, and will contribute to office policy and procedures associated with programs in which they are involved.

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

Essential Functions:

• The Financial Aid Advisor works with prospective and continuing students, and members of the SMU community in a personalized way on the financial aid application process, eligibility, need analysis, awards, disbursement, federal/state institutional policy, and the rights and responsibilities of receiving aid. Works with SMU students to craft a financial plan to make the SMU affordable.
  
• Requires knowledge of financial aid topics including: cost of attendance, federal and institutional need analysis, award package, types of aid, receiving outside resources, payment options, financing options, billing, disbursement dates, withdrawal, re-admit, deadlines, financial aid policy and procedures, and the responsibilities of receiving financial aid.
  
• Routinely deals with problems and issues of a highly sensitive financial and personal nature, and therefore must exhibit independent judgment, tact and diplomacy, maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to FERPA and HEA data sharing regulations
  
• Assesses a family's ability to pay for education expenses by evaluating income and assets reported on the FAFSA, CSS PROFILE. The Financial Aid Advisor is an expert in the area of need analysis, both federal and institutional methodologies, and must be able to explain complex financial aid calculations and the results and rationale behind financial aid awarding in a simple and easy to understand.
  
• The Financial Aid Advisor is routinely responsible for reviewing current financial circumstances of SMU families and applying professional judgment for special circumstances appeal cases for which they are assigned. Contacting 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.
  
• The Financial Aid Advisor must actively keep up to date on state and federal regulations and internal policies and procedures in order to ensure accurate and efficient interpretation of information and to ensure program compliance. The Financial Aid Advisor must be able to handle numerous complex tasks with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
  
• This position includes interchangeable undergraduate and graduate caseload by school when deemed necessary and as demand is identified. The duties will be the similar for awarding except no CSS Profile will be required for GR. The FA Advisor position advises an assigned caseload of graduate and professional students on availability of and requirements for financial aid resources.
  
• The Financial Aid Advisor works as a team member with the other Financial Aid Advisors to deliver high quality service to students and their families. Some weeknight/weekend and holiday work is required. The Advisor will travel to present and/or attend financial aid workshops and conferences. Other duties may be assigned.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Associate degree is required; Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Two years work professional experience is required. Prefer Financial Aid or closely related experience.

Experience working in a college or university setting is preferred.

Public speaking experience or giving presentations is preferred

Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is preferred. PeopleSoft is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must have the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and working relationships.

Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Candidate must be highly attentive to detail, able to produce accurate work. Strong problem solving skills are essential. Must be able to handle multiple tasks.

Must handle sensitive information with complete confidentiality and professionalism.

Candidate must be willing and able to work during the evenings or weekends as needed during high peak awarding times.

Must be willing and able to occasionally travel for high school presentations and seminars and conferences.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

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.

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