Financial Aid Advisor

Posting Details

Position Information

About Buffalo State

Buffalo State is one of the largest comprehensive schools in the State University of New York system. As a civically minded, urban-engaged campus community located in the city's cultural corridor, Buffalo State prides itself as having smaller learning environments coupled with larger university opportunities. Boasting a diverse and inclusive campus, Buffalo State is committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The school's mission is to deliver a broad array of high-quality and distinctive academic programs infused with diversity, creativity, and hands-on learning opportunities for hardworking students who seek a personalized and affordable education that engages their minds and advances their careers. Buffalo State is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment. With degree programs in education, the arts, science, arts and humanities, and professional studies, each year over 6,000 students choose Buffalo State. Buffalo State welcomes applicants who are committed to helping us fulfill our mission.

Faculty/Professional Professional Department Enrollment Management, VP Office Local Title Financial Aid Counselor for the SUNY Financial Aid Network Budget Title Financial Aid Advisor Rank SL-3 Line Number TBD Salary Range $60,245 FTE Full-Time Bargaining Unit UUP PRODiG+ Position No Executive Position No FLSA Exempt Department Website

https://www.suny.edu

Brief Job Description

The SUNY Financial Aid Network (SUNYFAN) is a shared-services model for financial aid application assistance, staff training, and financial aid award processing for member campuses from the State University of New York.

Reporting to the Executive Director for the SUNY Financial Aid Network, the Financial Aid Counselor will be responsible for financial aid counseling services for SUNYFAN members, both on an individual and group basis. The Financial Aid Counselor must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively in a student-centered environment and possess strong communication skills and attention to detail.

This position will be based at the SUNY Buffalo State University campus. Some travel is required to represent SUNY at local, state and national conferences, workshops, training, and for meetings.

There are two open positions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Answers member campus and System Administration inquiries on applicant financial aid options, eligibility, and application procedures;
• Assists with FAFSA completion, verification, and documentation requirements;
• Responds promptly to member campus inquiries in a timely fashion;
• Evaluates financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance;
• Determines award eligibility based on established guidelines and regulations;
• Maintains accurate records in financial aid systems;
• Ensures adherence to Title IV regulations and institutional policies;
• Coordinates with member campuses and System Administration as needed;
• Participates in outreach events and financial literacy workshops as needed;
• Keeps abreast of new literature published in the financial aid counseling field;
• Counsels students and member campuses regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and alternative sources of financial assistance;
• Provides financial aid counseling and assistance through telephone, email, virtual, and individual or group appointments;
• Conducts follow-up communication regarding outstanding verification, documentation, and other financial aid requirements;
• Reviews financial aid awards and makes appropriate adjustments in accordance with established regulations, policies, and SUNYFAN procedures, as assigned;
• Provides guidance and support related to federal student loan programs and assists with resolving loan processing issues, as applicable.

Special Notes: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that Buffalo State University is not an E-Verify employer.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and two years of relevant experience.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in software systems including Microsoft Office applications is required. Candidate will be required to exercise discretion in handling confidential information, and be able to work with a team of diverse faculty, staff, and students.

All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice in all college policies, practices, and personnel.

The candidate will demonstrate working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and financial aid processing with the ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures accurately in a student-centered environment. The candidate will also demonstrate knowledge of Federal Direct Loan programs and related processing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

It is preferred that the successful candidate will have experience in higher education and a background in financial aid, bursar, business office, or related area.

At least one year's prior experience working as a financial aid counselor or advisor preferred. Experience using Slate and Banner is desirable.

Anticipated Date of Hire 10/30/2026 Priority Review Date Application Deadline Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant Contact Person Contact Email Contact Fax Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/8448 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution that subscribes to all federal, state, and SUNY legal requirements and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status (Nondiscrimination Notice). Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Equity and Diversity Office, Cleveland Hall 415, (716) 878-6210. Buffalo State is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Warnes at warnesje@buffalostate.edu or call (716) 878-4822.

Background Investigation Statement

All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. Our Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy is available at http://hr.buffalostate.edu/pre-employment-background-screening.

Clery Statement

Applicants interested in positions may access the Annual Security Report (ASR) for SUNY Buffalo State at http://police.buffalostate.edu. The ASR contains information on campus security policies and certain campus crime statistics. Crime statistics are reported in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Applicants may request a hard copy of the ASR by contacting the SUNY Buffalo State University Police Department at (716) 878-6333.

New York State Executive Order 161

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Buffalo State website

• Buffalo News

• Buffalo Rocket

• Challenger

• Chronicle of Higher Education

• HigherEdJobs

• Panorama Hispano News

• Employee Referral

• Other

• • All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The college's Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy is available at http://hr.buffalostate.edu/pre-employment-background-screening. Prior to an offer of employment, an applicant will be required to sign an authorization release form, allowing Buffalo State to conduct a background investigation. Failure of an applicant to sign the authorization release form will disqualify an applicant from further consideration for appointment.

• I agree to comply with the college's policy.

• I do not agree to comply with the college's policy. (Note, this selection will disqualify you from further consideration for appointment.)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Names and Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Optional Documents