Financial Aid Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial Aid

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Financial Aid Advisor or an Assistant Director of Financial Aid (depending on qualifications) position within Enrollment Services.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

JOB SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial Aid is actively involved in the recruitment, matriculation, persistence, and retention of all St. Thomas students. The Financial Aid Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial Aid works directly with students, parents, guardians, high school counselors, and community-based organizations that are involved in the processes of helping students discern their college going plans and further, helps currently enrolled students to determine if they may persist at the university. This work is centered on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, St. Thomas costs, the federal, state, and institutional financial aid for which the student is eligible and involves a comprehensive review of the family financial situation including IRS information and other pieces of “red” data.  The Financial Aid Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial Aid counsels students and their families about the value of a St. Thomas education and the ROI.  The Financial Aid Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial Aid must have command of all the federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs we offer, and understand the policies and procedures for each. As a member of the Financial Aid team, the Financial Aid Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial Aid contributes to the determination of annual financial aid awarding processes and procedures. This role is also responsible for understanding and utilizing technical systems to support their work with students and the management of the program(s) for which they are responsible including but not limited to: Banner, Optix, Cognos, SalesForce (CRM) and program specific reporting applications.

Additionally, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid  is responsible for the effective and compliant management of significant financial aid programs. Successful management of these programs requires the Assistant Director of Financial Aid  to be a subject matter expert and to have the skill to successfully articulate those policies and procedures to both internal and external constituents and stakeholders.

Nights and weekend work are requirements of the Financial Aid Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial Aid.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Recruitment of Students: Responsible for effectively managing a large territory of prospective students from multiple strategic markets (two-year and/or four-year) and for helping students (parents, guardians, high school counselors, CBO officials, etc.) navigate the financial aid and financing processes so that the student enrolls at St. Thomas.  Direct customer contact via a variety of mediums (phone, email, personal appointments, presentations, etc.) is a daily priority throughout the year and it includes analyzing financial aid data (FAFSA/federal tax information), describing financing strategies and bill navigation, securing completion of financial aid files, using professional judgement to make financial adjustments, awarding financial aid per regulation and university policy, and articulating this successfully to our constituents and other stake holders.
 

Retention of Students: Responsible for working with a large territory of continuing students (built from the work done with new students) and for building a 2 and/or 4-year working relationship such that students (parents and others) stay in contact throughout their time at the university. Create/support proactive communication plans/strategies to keep currently enrolled students engaged at and moving through the university – financially. Direct customer contact via a variety of mediums (phone, email, personal appointments, presentations, etc.) is a daily priority throughout the year and it includes analyzing financial aid data (FAFSA/federal tax information), describing financing strategies and bill navigation, securing completion of financial aid files, using professional judgement to make financial adjustments, awarding financial aid per regulation and university policy, and articulating this successfully to our constituents and other stake holders. Collaborate with other offices on campus on strategies and initiatives to retain students including: Academic Advising, the Business Office, Registrar’s Office, Student Achievement Center, Deans of Students, etc. 
 

Program Management and Compliance: Responsible for the management of one (or more) tertiary financial aid programs including understanding the federal/state/institutional regulations and policies/procedures associated with that program (those programs), supporting policy and procedure development that ensures effective and compliant delivery of funds, articulating those policies and procedures to both internal and external constituents and meeting reporting requirements of the governing bodies (and the university) that are associated with the program(s). This role is also responsible for understanding and utilizing technical systems to support their work with students and the management of the program(s) for which they are responsible including but not limited to: Banner, Optix, Cognos, SalesForce (CRM) and program specific reporting applications
 

Campus and External Collaboration: Actively serve on project and process teams within the Enrollment Services Division (and throughout the university) that actively support the strategic goals of the institution including such initiatives as: student of color recruitment, retention initiatives, financial literacy/debt reduction, geographic diversity, etc. Support outreach to high schools and community based organization, deliver financial aid presentations, provide training for currently enrolled students, etc.  Engage in on-going professional development. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in a relevant field.
• One year of related work experience in an academic setting (Financial Aid Advisor) or three years of related work experience with progressively more responsibility (Assistant Director of Financial Aid), preferably in a financial aid office.
• Nights and weekend work are requirements of this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in Higher Education to include territory management, sales, financing, relationship building, and customer service.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.