Job Title: Financial Aid Advisor I
Location: MGA Cochran
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 246142
About Us

Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses—Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia—and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,000 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia’s 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia’s flagship aviation university, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the region through professional leadership, innovative partnerships and community engagement.

Job Summary The Financial Aid Advisor assists in the administration of federal, state, and institutional student financial aid programs. Primary responsibilities include advising students and parents through the financial aid cycle, evaluating students’ financial aid requests, making adjustments and recalculations of financial aid packages, and monitoring student’s academic progress.

Responsibilities

Advise students and parents regarding availability of financial aid, eligibility requirements and the application process via phone, in-person, and e-mail correspondence.Awards federal, state, institutional and private sources of financial aid to students within appropriate guidelines and regulations.Performs data verification of student/parent information in accordance with federal and institutional policiesProvides timely and responsive service to students and parents as is relates to financial status and student account balances.Review and process financial aid files and/or related processes as assigned.Maintains confidentiality of student records in compliance with the Family Education/Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)Manages student financial aid records in processing systems.Advises students of current financial aid and bursar policies and how they impact the student enrollment process.Collaborates with various university departments to support the student’s enrollment experience.Coordinates and participates in outreach projects, financial aid seminars, student orientations and workshops held on campus and at off-site locations.Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for two or more years.Demonstrated commitment to student services and success. Must be able to withstand the demands of heavy public contact. Availability to work evenings/weekends during peak periods.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a financial aid or business office at a comparable post-secondary institution.Knowledge of current institution, Board of Regents, state and federal regulations pertaining to the collection and maintenance of student records.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Must possess organizational, analytical, and counseling skills with the ability to handle assigned caseload.Knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs, policies and procedures.Knowledge of federal and state student aid online reporting systems.Ability to use automated student information systems.Ability to research, interpret, and apply complex rules in administering federal Title IV, state, and institutional financial aid.Ability to apply professional judgement with the administration of student financial aid awards.Ability to work collaboratively with diverse community and university stakeholders.Proficient in the ability to communicate effectively using interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills.Skill in the operation of computers and job related software programs.Strong quantitative and analytical skills with attentiveness to detail and accuracy.

Other Information

The work consists of varied financial aid advising duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.The purpose of this position is to provide assistance to students in matters pertaining to financial aid policies, procedures and processes. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the university’s mission.

Background Check

Offer of employment contingent upon a successful background check.

Other Information

Position is non-exempt (bi-weekly paid).Pay grade 16