Financial Aid Advisor

Job no: 498138
Position type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Division/Equivalent: Admission
School/Unit: Student Financial Aid
Department/Office: Student Financial Aid
Categories: Admission / Financial Aid

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The Enrollment Division at the University of Denver, which consists of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid, seeks to attract and enroll students who will become leaders, scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, and public servants uniquely qualified to live in and shape a global society.

The Undergraduate Admission team recognizes education as a means of individual and societal transformation - our vision is to inspire, guide, and support prospective and current students as leaders and scholars who will positively impact their communities. In our daily work, the enrollment team is guided by these values: intentional and informed decisions; integrity and inclusion; collaboration; fiscal responsibility; spirit; clear and thoughtful communication; and exceptional quality service.

The Financial Aid Office is dedicated to serving and educating students, families, colleagues, and the community through the financial aid process from pre-enrollment to program completion. We value empathy and integrity, knowledgeable and professional staff, advocacy and access, clear and consistent communication, and compliance. We have primary responsibility for the undergraduate financial aid process, and we also serve the graduate student population.

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Advisor (FAA) develops a thorough knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid topics to counsel students and parents about receiving financial aid at DU. The FAA provides professional advising services, which includes thoroughly explaining need analysis and the steps required to complete financial aid processes. In addition, the FAA conducts file reviews to ensure aid is awarded in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. The FAA resolves discrepancies in a timely and useful manner and effectively communicates information to students and their families. Further, the FAA is instrumental in the development of financial aid programs and contributes to office policies and procedures associated with programs in which they are involved.

Essential Functions

  • The financial aid advisor works with prospective students and their families, continuing students, and members of the DU community in a personalized way regarding the financial aid application process, eligibility, need analysis, awards, disbursement, federal/state institutional policy, and the rights and responsibilities of receiving financial aid. The FAA works with DU students to craft a financial plan to make the University of Denver affordable.
  • The financial aid advisor maintains a thorough knowledge of financial aid topics including costs of attendance, federal and institutional need analysis, award packaging, types of financial aid, outside scholarships and other resources, payment and financing options, lender selection, loan applications and certifications, billing, disbursement dates, aid applications, withdrawals, stop-outs, re-admits, timelines/deadlines, financial aid policies and procedures, and the responsibilities of receiving financial aid.
  • Financial aid advisors routinely manage highly sensitive financial and personal issues; therefore, they must exhibit independent judgment, tact and diplomacy, maintain strict confidentiality, and adhere to FERPA and HEA data sharing regulations.
  • All financial aid advisors are catalysts in supporting students with the financial aid process through various channels, including in person, email, ticketing system, and phones. FAA’s are expected to support the front desk overflow, including incoming document management.

Determines financial aid eligibility:

  • Financial aid advisors assess a family's ability to pay for educational expenses by evaluating income and assets reported on the FAFSA, CSS Profile, federal tax returns, W-2s and other financial documents. The FAA is an expert in need analysis, both federal and institutional methodologies, and can explain complex financial aid calculations, as well as the results and rationale behind financial aid awarding, in an easy-to-understand manner. The FAA is responsible for determining special circumstance appeal eligibility and may be required to review and process said appeals and conduct other professional judgment reviews.
    Identifies, evaluates, and resolves student applicant data conflicts:
  • The financial aid advisor must problem solve for aid applicants, which includes completing verification and file reviews, resolving FAFSA comment codes and rejects, packaging aid revisions, adjusting student budgets, correcting over awards, monitoring students on satisfactory academic progress.

Develops professionally:

  • The financial aid advisor must actively keep updated on state and federal regulations and internal policies and procedures to ensure accurate and efficient interpretation of information and to confirm program compliance. The FAA must handle numerous complex tasks with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. In addition, the FAA works as a team member with the other FAA’s to deliver high quality service to students and their families.

Other:

  • Financial aid advisors assist with other financial aid programs and functions as needed. Examples of such duties include certifying and processing federal and private loans, awarding of athletic and other specialized aid programs, and preparing financial records and reports.
  • The financial aid advisor is required to work some weeknights, weekends, and holidays. Also, the FAA will travel to present and/or attend financial aid workshops and conferences.
  • Financial aid advisors will perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • General knowledge of financial aid processes, guidelines, and procedures
  • Expertise in conflict resolution
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and utilize time management techniques
  • Ability to review and process a high volume of financial aid files in an efficient and effective manner
  • High degree of professionalism including, but not limited to, constant open communication, mutual respect and trust, inclusiveness, teamwork, change and growth, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Proficiency with standard MS Office software applications
  • General knowledge of SCT Banner and/or similar financial aid software

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with CSS Profile, expertise in federal and institutional need analysis, ability to interpret and analyze income and assets, and knowledge of professional judgment techniques
  • Ability to resolve data integrity issues in and discrepancies within Banner
  • Ability to provide enjoyable and energetic presentations
  • Bilingual English/Spanish skills

Working Environment

  • Standard office environment
  • Noise level is quiet to moderate

Physical Activities

  • Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
  • Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

In accordance with the University’s flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 29, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 6.

Hourly Range

The hourly range for the position is $24.52 - $26.56.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.

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Application close: Mountain Daylight Time

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