Financial Aid Adviser

Title

Financial Aid Adviser

UC Santa Cruz Main Campus / Hybrid

82672

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12-04-2025

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

The University of California Santa Cruz enrolls roughly 19,000 students a year and 77% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (FASO) strives to deliver high quality service to students and their families. We are committed to minimizing financial barriers, dedicated to providing students and their family's access to a broad range of aid programs to support students in achieving their educational goals.

The office is part of Enrollment Management, which includes Financial Aid and Scholarships, Orientation and Undergraduate Admissions. Enrollment Management is part of the multi-faceted academic Division of Undergraduate Education.

The Financial Aid Advisor independently evaluates complex financial aid applications by analyzing financial data, family and social circumstances, academic progress, and educational goals in compliance with federal, state, University, and agency regulations. The incumbent will provide individualized counseling on sensitive financial aid matters, exercise professional judgment to adjust awards, and advise campus departments on financial aid policies and procedures. The Financial Aid Advisor contributes to policy development to improve aid access for diverse student populations, utilizes data analysis and reporting to ensure program integrity, and develops outreach content to effectively communicate financial aid information.

Budgeted Salary: $60,301 - $69,134 annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits.
Schedule: Full-time, Fixed; 100% of time, 40 hours per week;
Mon-Fri;
Day shift.

• Analyze a variety of factors (financial data, family circumstances, social background, academic status, educational goals) and apply knowledge of federal, state, University, and outside agency laws, regulations, and policies to determine student eligibility and award various types of financial aid (50%).
• Identify and implement database elements, queries, and reports needed to monitor aid programs; analyze reports to resolve  problems (50%).
• Provide individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues and identify available aid resources to appropriately meet individual student needs (25%).
• Exercise professional judgment to authorize changes in financial aid award (25%).
• Advise departments on existing financial aid procedures, resources, and options available; recommend changes to benefit specific student groups (15%).
• Coordinate and create content for outreach services to prospective students, parents, and the general public (10%).

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Working knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid; specialized knowledge of particular programs.
• Working knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability.
• Ability to calculate financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Active listening skills; customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to assess processes and implement improvements; thorough interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience and cultural…