Financial Aid Advisor

Special Instructions for more details.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information online.

Two to three original letters of reference are required for employment. Please be aware that if selected as a candidate of choice, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered in the References section of the People Admin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the People Admin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Anticipated Recruitment Range. Salary offered may be outside of this range as impacted by budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications. $33,540 - $41,207

Position Type:
Non-Faculty

Job Category:
Non-Faculty Instructional & Research

Organizational Unit Overview:
The Office of Student Financial Aid is to offer a comprehensive financial aid program that attempts to meet the financial needs of all university students, utilizing aid programs from all sources students are believed to be eligible, designing financial aid packages in ways which assist students in achieving a quality education and support their academic objectives. Further, to remain eligible to participate in all available funding sources by maintaining compliance and providing data to funding sources and campus partners.

The Office of Student Financial Aid at East Carolina University is responsible for administering and processing all Federal, State and other financial aid programs for students enrolled at ECU.

Job Duties: The primary purpose of this financial aid advisor position is to advise students and parents about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financing options, policies and procedures at the University. The advisor provides information and advice about all financial aid programs. The advisor reviews and analyzes financial aid applications and records. The advisor resolves conflicting information’s, investigates unusual situations, and decides the outcome.

Counseling Duties: The position has direct contact with clients (students and parents, primarily) on an appointment and walk-in basis and over the phone. The position provides information about all student financial aid programs — program characteristics such as type of aid, funding source, amounts, interest rates, repayment requirements, application procedures and individual student eligibility requirements such as academic, financial, citizenship, enrollment, etc.

The position discusses confidential financial data and other family circumstances with the client. The position advises the client about its impact and eligibility to participate in various aid programs. The position exercises “professional judgment” in individual student situations. In financial aid administration, this means that the position determines, after reviewing the student’s situation, that the student does not fall into the standard categories outlined in program regulations and that the student should be an “exception to the rule”.

The position, although not an academic advisor, is often in a situation of suggesting various academic strategies to help a student meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements for the retention of financial aid.

Program Knowledge: The position uses a thorough understanding of Federal and State student financial aid programs, policies, and procedures and communicates information clearly. The position uses in-depth knowledge of external grants/scholarships/VA benefits and 529 program funding in order to collaborate with Student Accounts and the Third‑Party Billing office on impact of external dollars on previously awarded aid. Further, position will adjust aid and notify students as needed.

Information and Records Administration: The position will review documents (examples — not all inclusive: IRS forms, Social Security Administration documents,…