New Start Financial Aid Advisor

New Start Financial Aid Advisor Location: In Person in Colorado | Remote in the following states: AZ, CA, FL, NY, TX, & VA Salary: $21.60 - $22.60 / hour Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis Job Summary A New Start Financial Aid Advisor helps students and their families with financial aid, including applications, eligibility, and awards. This role will require us to stay in compliance with federal and state regulations while working closely with our Admissions Team to ensure a successful start. When this position is executed successfully, it will result in the following key outcomes: Timely and Accurate Financial Packaging: All new students will be fully packaged with the appropriate financial aid components—including Title IV funding, grants, private loans, and internal scholarships—well in advance of the start of the upcoming academic year. This ensures students are financially prepared to begin their programs without delays. Consistent and Proactive Communication: New students will receive weekly outreach to provide guidance, answer questions, and ensure they remain informed and supported throughout the financial aid process. This consistent engagement helps build trust and improves student retention and satisfaction. Accurate Maintenance of Financial Aid Master Sheets: Financial Aid Master Sheets will be diligently updated on a daily basis to reflect the most current and accurate information. This level of attention to detail ensures data integrity and supports seamless internal processing and reporting. Strong Collaboration with Admissions Representatives: A successful employee in this role will cultivate a positive and productive working relationship with the Admissions team. This collaboration is essential to align enrollment and financial aid efforts, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for new students. Effective Workload Management During Peak Periods: The individual will demonstrate the ability to manage high volumes of work during peak enrollment periods without compromising accuracy or service quality. This includes prioritizing tasks efficiently, staying organized, and maintaining professionalism under pressure. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Customer Service (50%) Answer Incoming Calls: Respond to incoming calls from students, parents, and other stakeholders regarding financial aid. Provide accurate and updated information on financial aid processes and awards. Handle Financial Aid Inquiries: Assist with questions related to financial aid awards, including federal and state aid, scholarships, and institutional grants. Scholarship Information: Provide guidance on available scholarship opportunities and application processes. .Assist with scholarship documentation and eligibility questions. Conflict Resolution: Handle disputes or escalated issues regarding financial aid with professionalism and empathy. Utilize conflict resolution techniques to defuse challenging situations and find solutions that satisfy both the student’s needs and institutional policies. Work collaboratively with the Admission, Student Accounts, and Registrar Departments to resolve complex issues. Packaging (40%) Student Financial Aid Programs: Provide assistance and information to students regarding financial aid programs and services, ensuring clarity on available options and deadlines. Process Student Aid Applications: Review and process financial aid applications in a timely and efficient manner. Assist with Federal Aid Packaging: Support the packaging of federal student aid and the collection of continuing student financial aid documents. Ensure accuracy and compliance in the packaging process and adhere to all institutional and regulatory requirements. Compliance Audits: Assist in the preparation and support of compliance audits. Ensure data collected is accurate and in line with financial aid and national regulations. Key Performance Indicators, Objectives and Key Results, Behaviors and Attitudes (10%) Quantitative and Qualitative KPIs: Track and meet Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) as established during Departmental Quarterly Review Meetings (QRMs). Participation in OKRs: Actively contribute to departmental Objectives and Key Results (OKR) processes, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and the prioritization of individual tasks. Behaviors and Attitudes: Demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that reflect RMCAD’s Mission, Vision, and Values in daily interactions and work performance. Other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 3 Years’ Experience in Title IV aid administration Effective verbal and written communication skills to support interaction with coworkers and students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds Ability to help students understand financial aid program requirements Ability to exercise sound judgment in reviewing and screening applications for financial aid when determining eligibility and evaluating special circumstances. Computer proficiency including Google Workspace, Microsoft Word and Excel, Powerpoint, Internet, email, CampusVue, Anthology. Ability to work collaboratively with others in a fast-paced environment Ability to perform business math computations and maintain accurate financial records Ability to research, analyze and evaluate service delivery methods and techniques Ability to understand and follow instructions Ability to plan and organize work and meet schedules and timelines while working independently under pressure Knowledge of financial aid regulatory requirements including Title IV Ability to work independently and multi-task Must be self-motivated and require minimal supervision Proven track record of phenomenal customer service Working Conditions and Physical Demands The work environment is a typical office environment which may include moderate noise, confined workspaces, the need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and extensive sitting and working with computers. Some evening and weekend hours may be required along with attendance at conferences and seminars. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or change the duties of the position at any time.