Senior Financial Aid Advisor/Outreach Lead

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university, founded in 1975 and located in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of today’s diverse society. The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their education, and committed to improving the lives of others. The University sees diversity in its staff and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body (or synonymous with inclusive excellence). PAU has recently been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). PAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with online, hybrid and residential options, and has an engaged faculty who make significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of psychology and counseling and who move ahead in life by moving lives ahead. Palo Alto University (PAU) is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being in our diverse community of students. We are committed to providing resources and support that empower students to achieve their educational and personal goals.

Job Title: Senior Financial Aid Advisor/Outreach

Lead

Department: Department of Student

Success, Office of Financial Aid

Reports To: Director of Financial Aid

Location: On-site / Hybrid, Allen Calvin campus

Date: To start immediately

Employment Status: Exempt, full-time

Compensation: $70,000 - $95,000/year, plus medical, dental, vision benefits, 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending account, and paid time off. Stipend for SF Bay Area residency.

The Senior Financial Aid Advisor/Outreach Lead plays a crucial role in supporting PAU students' financial well-being by providing guidance, education, and resources to help them make informed financial decisions and develop healthy financial habits. The person in this position also advises students on all aspects of student financial aid to support student success both while attending PAU and after graduation. This role focuses on the advising and student success sides of financial aid.

Financial Aid Advising

• Work with Director of Financial Aid and Assistant Director of Financial Aid to ensure that the institution's financial aid programs comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Provide information and guidance to students and parents regarding financial aid options, application processes, and eligibility criteria; offer one-on-one counseling sessions to assist students in understanding their financial aid packages and making informed decisions
• Serve as key responder, along with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, to Zendesk tickets, emails, and phone calls within 24-48 hours; assign tickets to other team members as appropriate; work the twice-daily virtual Financial Aid Office Hours in coordination with other team members
• Coordinate the distribution of scholarship funds, in cooperation with the Director of Financial Aid and other cross-campus departments
• Perform 1:1 student exit interviews to include review of NSLDS, repayment, servicers, forbearance/deferment, loan forgiveness, loan repayment incentives
• Maintain the Financial Aid office’s electronic communication sites (e.g., web pages, Facebook, Snapchat, Graduway, and Instagram). Ensure timely and accurate announcement of FA activities and events and provide information to various constituencies
• Utilize financial aid management software and databases to track and manage student financial aid records

Student Outreach and Education

• Develop, refine, and launch online financial literacy course; update, refine, and expand course as needed; recruit students to successfully take course. Develop and deliver financial literacy workshops and seminars to educate students on financial planning, budgeting, and loan management; maintain financial literacy webpage
• Conduct one-on-one financial coaching sessions with students; assist students in assessing their financial situations and setting clear financial goals; offer support and strategies to help students navigate financial challenges
• Collaborate with student support services and academic departments to integrate financial wellness into the student experience
• Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in personal finance and financial coaching

Collaboration

• Collaborate with financial aid teammates to ensure outstanding customer service and clear communication across the team
• Work closely with other departments, such as Admissions, Bursar, and Student Success team members to coordinate efforts related to financial aid
• Collaborate with external agencies and organizations to enhance financial literacy initiatives

Training and Professional Development

• Stay informed about industry best practices and attend professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in financial aid and financial literacy
• Read NASFAA newsletter daily; take advantage of webinar and other training opportunities offered by NASFAA, CASFAA, and WASFAA
• Other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree required; may substitute 3-5 years of progressive Financial Aid or Financial Literacy experience plus Associate’s degree; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum experience: 3 years in Higher Education Financial Aid or Financial Literacy
• Strong ability to consistently display accuracy and attention to detail
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn and embrace continuous improvement
• Willingness to proactively pursue process improvements and professional development opportunities
• Strong ability to communicate effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to write precise, well-organized emails and letters
• Strong in Microsoft Office Suite and financial aid/higher education management software programs; Jenzabar and PowerFAIDS preferred
• Strong knowledge of Federal and State Financial Aid policies and resources, and Financial Literacy best practices
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with other individuals and teams
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Available to work evenings and weekends when needed; one day per week in-office required
• Must have excellent attendance and punctuality, collegial and diplomatic behavior at work, and work performance to the satisfaction of management and essential functions of the position
• Demonstrated compassion, patience, respect, and comfort toward human diversity with cross multi-generational cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Capacity to maintain discretion with sensitive and confidential information

Qualified candidates for the Senior Financial Aid Advisor/Outreach Lead should apply with a:

• Current resume
• Professional writing sample
• Cover letter describing qualifications for and interest in the position. PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population. In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience has prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer- related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.