Financial Aid Officer Full Time

This role plays a critical part in student success by providing accurate guidance, maintaining compliant records, and supporting the administration of Title IV and other financial aid programs. The ideal candidate is organized, service-oriented, and comfortable working in a highly regulated, deadline-driven environment.

Essential Functions

Student Support & Counseling

• Guide students through the financial aid process, including applications, document collection, and required submissions
• Conduct financial aid presentations and one-on-one counseling sessions
• Explain financial aid options, eligibility, and student responsibilities clearly and accurately

Financial Aid Processing & Compliance

• Review and evaluate financial aid applications to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional programs
• Verify student documentation in accordance with Title IV and institutional requirements
• Maintain accurate and complete student financial aid records

Regulatory & Program Knowledge

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations
• Stay current on updates to Title IV programs and related policies
• Apply regulatory knowledge to daily processing and student advising

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with admissions, student services, and academic departments to resolve financial aid issues
• Provide timely and accurate support to students and internal stakeholders
• Assist in resolving complex or escalated financial aid situations

Process Improvement & Support

• Assist in the development and refinement of financial aid policies and procedures
• Support initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and student experience
• Participate in audits, reporting, and compliance reviews as required

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Education, or a related field
• Experience in financial aid, student services, or a regulated administrative environment
• Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations (Title IV preferred)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial aid or student information systems

Preferred

• Experience working in higher education financial aid
• Experience with financial aid systems or student information systems
• Familiarity with audits, compliance reviews, or verification processes
• Strong customer service skills with a student-centered approach

Compensation

• $24.00-$27.00 per hour
• Compensation is based on education, experience, and internal equity considerations

Conditions of Employment

• A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present on campus as required
• Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check
• Official transcripts are required prior to hire; degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service for U.S. equivalency
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Work Environment

• Standard office environment with frequent interaction with students and departments
• Duties are typically performed while sitting at a desk or computer workstation
• Subject to frequent interruptions, high volume of student inquiries, and regulatory deadlines

Physical Demands

• Regularly sits for extended periods
• Proficient in using electronic keyboards and office equipment
• Effective verbal communication in person and by phone
• Ability to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing 10-25 pounds as needed

Employee Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Exciting university events
• Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
• Work/Life Balance initiatives
• Onsite wellness program
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Institutional Values

• Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that reflects diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Innovation and Technology: We embrace advanced tools and systems to improve operational efficiency and student support
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as Stanbridge outREACH, we contribute to local and global communities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stanbridge University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any protected basis. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.