Financial Aid Advisor

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution Black Hills State University Working Title Financial Aid Advisor Posting Number NFE03182P Department BHSU-Financial Aid Physical Location of Position (City) Spearfish Posting Text

Black Hills State University is seeking a dynamic, student-focused professional to join our Student Financial Aid Office as a Financial Aid Advisor. This position is an integral part of the Enrollment Management team and is based on the Spearfish campus.

The Financial Aid Advisor serves as a key resource for students and families navigating the financial aid process. This position provides personalized financial aid counseling, supports the administration of federal and institutional aid programs, and helps students understand their options for financing their education.

The ideal candidate is approachable, organized, detail-oriented, and committed to helping students succeed. Financial aid can be complex, and we are looking for someone who can turn complicated regulations and processes into information students and families can understand and use.

This position is grant funded for two years, with the intention of transitioning to a university-funded position following the grant period.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive, individualized financial aid counseling to prospective and current students and their families regarding federal, state, institutional, and alternative financial aid programs.
• Explain financial aid eligibility, award requirements, policies, deadlines, and student responsibilities in a clear and student-friendly manner.
• Respond to student and family inquiries by phone, email, and in person with professionalism, accuracy, and a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Review and process financial aid information and documentation in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations.
• Manage Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) processes, including monitoring, student communication, and review of SAP appeals.
• Coordinate and administer the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, including awarding, monitoring, tracking, and communication with students and campus departments.
• Utilize the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and other federal and institutional systems to research student eligibility and financial aid history.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and university policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with campus partners across Enrollment Management and other university departments to support student enrollment and retention.
• Participate in financial aid outreach activities, including financial aid workshops, FAFSA information nights, student orientations, and other recruitment or enrollment events.
• Stay current on changes to federal and state financial aid regulations, institutional policies, and financial aid programs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of general office or administrative experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly to individuals with varying levels of knowledge and experience.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive student information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in financial aid or higher education.
• Experience with Banner Student Information System (SIS) or another student information system.
• Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, including FAFSA, Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Federal Work-Study, and Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Experience counseling students or providing financial aid advising.
• Experience working with NSLDS or other federal financial aid systems.

Comments:

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Candidates will need to attach a cover letter, resume and the names/contact information of at least three professional references. This position is open until filled with a first review date August 31, 2026 at 11pm mountain time. For application assistance, please contact Human Resources at 605.642.6549. Questions specific to the position may directed towards Tirzah Knight at Tirzah.Knight@bhsu.edu.

Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Cassie Maser at 605-642-6545 or Cassie.Maser@bhsu.edu. Employment is dependent upon a satisfactory background check.

Posting Date 08/25/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 08/31/2026 Advertised Salary $50,000 Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm (Fall and Spring)

Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm (Summer, flexible schedule available)

Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Black Hills State University is a masters-level state university with more than 3,600 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB Accredited), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, is in Rapid City, the state's second-largest city. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 14 sports, and has a legacy of champion rodeo teams.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Black Hills State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking Describe any of the conditions selected

Sitting for sustained periods of time. Standing for sustained periods of time.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Changes of Temperature, Exposure to Dust, Exposure to Infectious Diseases, Exposure to Noise Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Office Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Where did you hear about this position?
• SDBOR Employment Site
• BHSU Website
• HigherEdJobs.com
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• SD Department of Labor
• Rapid City Journal
• Black Hills Pioneer
• Referral
• Other

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

Optional Documents

• Transcripts
• Other