Financial Aid Specialist

Full-time

Southern Virginia University’s Office of Financial Aid is seeking a motivated Financial Aid Specialist to assist students in navigating the financial aid process. In this role, you will help students access scholarships, student loans, and grants to support their education. You will build strong relationships with students and their families while providing excellent customer service and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. This position may require occasional overtime or weekend work during peak processing periods.

Responsibilities
  • Understand and apply all regulations governing federal financial aid.
  • Guide students through the application process for financial aid.
  • Track and facilitate student progress in obtaining financial aid.
  • Create fair and equitable financial aid packages based on federal guidelines and student eligibility.
  • Inform students about institutional financial awards and other resources.
  • Accurately disburse financial aid to qualifying students.
  • Provide financial literacy education to students and parents.
  • Build and maintain relationships with students and parents.
  • Communicate frequently with students through various channels (email, phone, text).
  • Meet department performance goals related to student outreach, aid processing timelines, and compliance standards.
  • Maintain accurate records of student contact and financial aid using departmental software.
  • Participate in training and financial aid conferences regularly.
  • Represent the University’s mission to Gather, Lift, Launch.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.
Minimum Qualifications
  • 2-3 years of work experience in financial services, customer service, sales, or a related field.
  • Strong relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to meet strict goals and deadlines.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented.
  • High levels of empathy and social intelligence.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities.
  • Proven work ethic and self-motivation.
  • Ability to work with diverse personalities and perspectives.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Background in college financial aid.
  • Experience in customer service or sales.
  • Experience with Jenzabar or similar student information system (SIS) software.
Hours and Benefits

This is a full-time position with benefits. Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required during peak financial aid processing periods.

Applications

To apply, interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to hr@svu.edu. Southern Virginia University is an equal-opportunity employer. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Southern Virginia University is an equal-opportunity employer. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.

About Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia University is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a university, we gather faithful Latter-day Saints and those who share our values, lift intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launch into successful lives and careers. Applicants are invited to learn more about the university at svu.edu/mission.