Financial Aid Advisor

Overview

The Financial Aid Advisor guides students and their influencers through the financial aid process, administers aid accurately and in compliance with federal and state regulations, and resolves funding barriers that may affect enrollment or continued education. The role manages an assigned student portfolio, provides timely education and follow-up, and partners across departments to support student starts, persistence, graduation, and overall satisfaction.

Pay Range: $20-25 DOE

Location: Portland, OR

What We Offer:

• Competitive Insurance: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents

• Health Plan Enrollment: Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment

• Paid Time Off: Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible)

• Retirement Matching: 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days

• Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby

• Pet Insurance: Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA

• Tuition Waiver: Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered

Responsibilities

• Guide students from initial contact through ongoing support, helping them secure financial aid and other funding and submit all required documentation
• Deliver a positive experience during every interaction by demonstrating compassion and composure and explaining the value of completing each next step on time
• Identify underlying concerns and offer creative solutions that help students overcome barriers to starting or continuing school
• Communicate the Company's value by connecting its benefits to the needs and priorities of students and their influencers, confirming understanding, and gaining agreement
• Administer student financial aid accurately and promptly in accordance with federal and state regulations
• Guide students and their influencers through the financial aid process by explaining required steps and clarifying their current status
• Educate students about federal aid borrower rights and responsibilities, FAFSA completion, loan acceptance or denial, scholarships, and alternative funding options to resolve financing challenges
• Partner proactively with Admissions, Student Services, Education, Employment Services, and Accounting to support student needs and improve show rates, retention, persistence, and overall satisfaction
• Execute appropriate contact strategies, provide timely follow-up, and help students achieve required financial aid milestones
• Manage an assigned portfolio of students using established tools and processes
• Partner with Admissions Representatives and future students to assess individual circumstances and indicators, determine the likelihood of starting school, and project upcoming starts accurately
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assess current student circumstances and indicators; Assist with determining the likelihood of continuing education and graduating
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED (required)

• Associates degree in business, accounting or related field (preferred)

• Three (3) years of experience in customer service or sales (preferred)

• Two (2) years Financial Aid experience (preferred)

• Must not be in default on any Federal Student Loans and must remain in good standing while employed (required)

• Demonstrate basic understanding of core job functions and tools

• Follow instructions and established procedures with supervision

• Participate in team discussions and training sessions

• Ask clarifying questions to build understanding

• Show openness to feedback and learning

• Use standard software tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel) at a beginner level

• Maintain focus on assigned tasks and meets basic deadlines

• Demonstrate curiosity and willingness to develop new skills

• Follow structured guidance to complete assigned work

• Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions

• Achieves results consistently, even in tough circumstances

• Develops and delivers multi-mode communications tailored to diverse audience needs

• Seeks new growth opportunities and challenges through formal and informal development channels

• Able and willing to:

• Communicate, think, learn, and reason

• Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks

• Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locations

• Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility

• Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously

• Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position

• Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders

• Work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment when on site at assigned company location. Employees must be able to safely ambulate when on company premises.

• This position is eligible for a remote, hybrid, on campus or an on site work location to meet business needs. Employees must be able to follow all safety precautions including the use of personal-protective equipment. Employees must also be able to adhere to site-specific safety procedures. Work environments may include exposure to student learning environments with a variety of conditions. Employees must meet minimum technical standards for eligibility and participation.

• No travel required