Academic Advice, Administrative Skills, Case Management, Communication Skills, Detail Oriented, Disbursements, Documentation, Educational Administration, Employee Retention, Financial Administration, Financial Aid, Financial Policies, Higher Education, Information Technology & Information Systems, Interpersonal Skills, Microsoft Office, Organizational Skills, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Risk, Scholarship, Status Reports, Student Financial Services, Student Services, Systems Maintenance, Team Player, Time Management
Sault Ste Marie, Michigan
Title: Financial Aid Advisor
VP Area: Admissions & Marketing
Department: Financial Aid
Published Salary Range: 41000
Job Summary/Basic Function:
SUMMARY
The Financial Aid Advisor supports Lake Superior State University’s mission by serving as a primary point of contact for students and families navigating the financial aid and scholarship process. Reporting directly to the Director of Financial Aid, this position is responsible for delivering high quality, student-centered advising related to FAFSA completion, financial aid eligibility, award interpretation, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and special circumstances.
This role plays a critical role in ensuring students understand their financial options and feel supported throughout their educational journey. The Advisor focuses on education, guidance, case management, and proactive outreach to promote access, persistence, and academic success. The position requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to explain complex financial information in clear and actionable ways.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Aid Advising & Case Management
- Provide individualized advising to prospective and current students and families regarding FAFSA completion, aid eligibility, award components, disbursement timing, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and special circumstances.
- Serve as a primary contact for assigned student populations, maintaining a caseload focused on timely FAFSA completion, file follow up, and enrollment progression.
- Explain financial aid offers in a clear, student friendly manner and assist families in understanding cost of attendance, loan borrowing options, and payment planning considerations.
- Support students experiencing financial barriers by identifying next steps, appropriate documentation, and available institutional or external resources.
- Escalate complex eligibility issues, professional judgment requests, and appeals to the Senior Director as appropriate.
Outreach and Enrollment Support
- Participate in recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives including FAFSA completion events, scholarship application events, orientation sessions, admitted student programming, etc.
- Collaborate with Admissions, Business Office, and other campus partners to ensure consistent messaging and a seamless student experience.
- Conduct proactive outreach to students with incomplete files, missing documentation, or enrollment risk indicators.
- Support melt prevention and persistence strategies through targeted communication and student follow up.
Compliance Awareness and Communication
- Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies to ensure accurate advising.
- Communicate documentation requirements clearly and monitor student progress toward file completion.
- Review system updates and status reports from the third-party servicer to provide informed guidance to students.
- Refer regulatory, policy, or system level concerns to the Senior Director.
Office Support and Team Contribution
- Contribute to a culture of service excellence, responsiveness, and accountability within the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
- Assist with front facing service operations during peak periods.
- Support office initiatives related to equity, student success, and continuous service improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of Enrollment Management and Student Success priorities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
At least one year of experience in a student services environment
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly and compassionately
Working knowledge of Title IV financial aid programs and compliance requirements
Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort working in student information systems
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in higher education financial aid administration
Experience with Ellucian Banner or similar student information system
Experience serving diverse student populations, including first-generation, low-income, and non-traditional students
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Lake Superior State University