Financial Aid Advisor

ABOUT US

University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning.​ With 55+fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world.

This position is open to candidates who currently reside in one of the following approved states from which the role may be performed remotely: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Description

TYPE OF SUPERVISION:

Receive general supervision from the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Operations.

• General Supervision — indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of duties; some of which may be complex duties within established policy guidelines; and receives occasional supervision.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Processing Financial Aid Requests

• Review financial aid applications and related documents to confirm completeness, accuracy, and eligibility based on established federal, state, and university guidelines
• Verify student information and resolve basic discrepancies by collecting additional documentation or confirming data in the financial aid system
• Processes institutional scholarship awards, tuition discounts, partnerships, and other aid programs as directed, ensuring correct entry into student accounts
• Input and update student data in financial aid software to process awards and adjustments for federal, state institutional and external assistance programs
• Reconciles financial aid and admissions records to confirm student status before aid is processed or adjusted. Authorizes payment of financial aid awards to student accounts
• Maintain accurate, well-organized electronic and paper files, including clear notes on financial aid activities and student communications
• Confirm that all required documentation and federal verification codes are cleared before aid is finalized or funds are disbursed

Student Service Support

• Provides guidance and updates to student services staff on routine financial aid procedures and student documentation requirements
• Assist with sharing information about changes in financial aid systems, forms, and processes to ensure consistency across the team
• Collaborate with the student services and other staff to help resolve student questions and concerns related to financial aid or billing

Compliance

• Applies and enforces established financial aid policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and university requirements.
• Identifies and reports potential policy, procedural, or compliance concerns to the appropriate leader to support ongoing compliance with federal, state, and university financial-aid requirements
• Maintains student files and program records for compliance with audit and program reviews.

Other

• Assists with annual reviews and updates to financial aid forms to ensure compliance in awarding financial aid funds
• Participate in financial aid software update testing, record reviews, and other assigned projects
• Perform other duties, as assigned

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a financial aid and student services environment

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, along with basic office procedures and recordkeeping practices.
• Skill in reviewing and applying eligibility criteria using established guidelines and calculations.
• Ability to perform accurate arithmetic computations (addition, subtraction, percentages, and ratios).
• Ability to use computer systems and financial aid software to enter, review, and update student information.
• Skill in clear, professional communication, both verbal and written, with students, staff, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and stay organized in a busy work environment.
• Ability to provide courteous, helpful service to a diverse student community and maintain professionalism in difficult interactions.

Desired:

• Knowledge/experience with common student information systems and financial aid systems such as Banner and Regent Award is preferred.

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Electronic Devices and Software: Personal computer and intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including word, excel, and outlook and video conferencing tools (Teams, Zoom).  Familiarity with Banner, Regent Award, Soft Docs, and federal systems including COD and NSLDS.

Contact with Students:  Frequent

Contact with Faculty and/or Staff:  Frequent

Contact with Community and Vendors: Occasional

The hiring range for this position is $20.00-$24.90 hourly. Offers are determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographical location, knowledge, skills, years & depth of experience, and equity with internal team members.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

At the University of Massachusetts Global, we support your total well-being with flexible and meaningful benefits:

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.

• Work-Life Balance: Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.

• Financial Security: Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.

• Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!

• Education: Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities. PSLF eligible employer.

• Wellness: Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity – UMass Global is committed to providing an educational and work environment free of unlawful discrimination and harassment in any form. UMass Global prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of  age, race (including hairstyle/texture, protective hairstyles, braids, locks, and twists), color, religion (including religious observance, belief, practice dress and grooming practices), citizenship, pregnancy (including temporary physical or mental limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), sex, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, legally-protected medical condition, military (past, present or prospective) status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by local, State or Federal law.

Reasonable Accommodation – UMass Global provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the recruitment department at [email protected].