Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor
Rasmussen University
Remote/Online

The Financial Aid Advisor is the primary point of contact for students, staff, and external parties who contact the Student Financial Aid Office, providing exceptional customer service with a focus on single-source service. This role implements the policies and procedures of the office and disseminates financial aid and related information to clientele by multiple mediums (e.g. phone, email and chat) and serves as a bridge between other departments, most notably Admissions and Advising. This role conducts consistent and frequent outreach to financial aid applicants in an effort to secure eligibility documentation.

Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Advising - 60%

• Provide students and staff alike with a positive, responsive experience, including personal attention and knowledgeable guidance through the financial aid process.
• Provide exceptional customer service via multiple communication mediums (e.g. phone, email, chat), with a focus on single-source service and by adhering to pre-defined service standards.
• Obtain and maintain current knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations for a variety of aid programs and the ability to apply this information to problem resolution.
• Provide problem resolution or escalate highly unique or complex issues to a Financial Aid Manager, as appropriate.
• Conduct consistent and frequent outreach to students via telephone, email and text in an effort to secure financial aid eligibility documentation.

Record Keeping - 30%

• Accurately document all student-related interactions in student information system and provide appropriate and timely financial aid responses.
• Maintain eligibility to access the National Student Loan Data System, (NSLDS), as defined by the US Department of Education. Essentially, to maintain access to NSLDS, one must not have defaulted on any student loan in the past, currently be in default or otherwise negatively impact access to NSLDS.
• Scan and upload necessary documentation and complete data entry support to the Financial Aid Processing and Awarding Unit.

Other - 10%

• Attend and participate in team, SFA department meetings for the purpose of obtaining and sharing information.
• Participate in lean processes and strategic planning activities.
• Embody the spirit of the University's mission and vision in daily activities.
• Support and contribute towards University's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Perform other duties as directed, requested or assigned.

Reporting Relationship:

The Financial Aid Advisor reports to the Manager, Financial Aid Advising and Outreach. This role does not have direct reports.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of one to three years of relevant customer service and/or financial aid experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional customer service skills and belief in single-source service.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage multiple demands with minimal supervision; maintain accurate records and files.
• Experience in a service-oriented call-center preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure, remain positive and maintain a high level of professionalism.
• General knowledge of the higher education industry preferred, but not required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Working knowledge of financial software, CampusNexus, preferred.
• Strong command of the English language, in both oral and written form.

About Us:

Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (www.hlcommission.org), is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through innovative educational programs. As a pioneer in career-focused education since 1900, the University is defining a new generation of higher education that focuses on competency-based education, technology and transferable skills. Rasmussen offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person at 20 campuses around the country. The University is designed to lift and support its students every step of the way, from each student's first credential to their last. Rasmussen is dedicated to global enrichment, serving the underserved, and meeting the evolving needs of diverse students, communities, and economies. Rasmussen encourages its students, faculty, and staff to strive for academic excellence, community enrichment and service to the public good. Rasmussen is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information about Rasmussen University, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

It is the policy of Rasmussen University to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons. We treat all qualified individuals equally as to their recruitment, hiring, assignments, advancements, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Rasmussen University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a resident of a state with designated pay transparency requirements and this role is available remotely, you may be eligible to receive additional information about the compensation and benefits for this role, which we will provide upon request. Please send an email to recruiting@apei.com.