Financial Aid Specialist

Full-time
$36,000 – $40,000 entry annual salary (based on experience)

Southern Virginia University’s Office of Financial Aid is seeking to hire a motivated Financial Aid Specialist to help guide students through the financial aid process and access scholarships, student loans, or grants to fund their education. Primary duties for this position include building relationships with students and parents while demonstrating excellent customer service and maintaining compliance to federal regulations and institutional policies for the financial aid process.

Responsibilities
  • Develop a thorough understanding of all regulations governing federal financial aid
  • Guide students through the process of applying for and obtaining federal financial aid
  • Track and facilitate student progress through the financial aid process
  • Create equitable financial aid packages based on federal guidelines and student eligibility
  • Inform students of institutional financial awards and additional financial aid resources
  • Disburse financial aid accurately and efficiently to qualifying students
  • Provide education-related financial literacy support to students and parents
  • Build and nurture relationships with students and parents
  • Communicate frequently with students via multiple channels (email, phone, text)
  • Meet departmental goals and metrics per financial aid cycle
  • Maintain accurate contact and financial aid records using departmental software
  • Participate regularly in training opportunities and financial aid conferences
  • Represent the University and its Mission to Gather, Lift, Launch
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid
Minimum Qualifications
  • Aptitude for relationship building
  • Ability to meet strict goals and deadlines
  • Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented
  • High levels of empathy and social intelligence
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Superb judgment and decision-making ability
  • Record of work ethic and motivated self-direction
  • Ability to work with a variety of personalities and perspectives
  • College experience
  • 2-3 years of work experience in financial services, customer service, sales, or related field
Preferred Qualifications
  • Background in college financial aid, customer service, or sales
  • Experience with Jenzabar or other student information system (SIS) software
  • Bachelor’s degree
About the Office of Financial Aid

Led by the Director of Financial Aid, the Office of Financial Aid is the source of various financing resources which help students finance their education. As a motivated and unified team, we work to empower students at the University by guiding them through the financial aid process.

Applications

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at hr@svu.edu. This document provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and the general nature and level of work associated therewith. It should not be interpreted as describing all duties related to this position, nor used to limit the nature and extent of assignments given to an employee. 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.