Position Title:Financial Aid Advisor II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Experience administering federal, state, and institutional student financial aid programs within a higher education setting.
A demonstrated understanding of Title IV regulations.
Experience analyzing data and ensuring the accuracy of fund disbursements.
Demonstrated experience advising students and/or families in a customer service or educational environment.
Possession of NASFAA credentials.
Experience delivering presentations to large and small groups and/or leading training efforts for staff, student employees, or campus partners.
Job Description:
Make a difference in students' lives by guiding them through their financial aid journey.Located in the heart of Iowa State University's campus, the Office of Student Financial Aid administers over $400 million in federal, state, institutional, and private funds annually. We support more than 85% of undergraduate students, as well as domestic graduate students seeking aid. Through education and outreach, we empower students to navigate their financial options and succeed in their academic journeys.
As a Financial Aid Advisor II, you'll serve as a key resource for students and families-providing expert guidance on aid eligibility, application procedures, and financial literacy. You'll play an essential role in delivering aid efficiently and equitably while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment and is passionate about student success.
Key Responsibilities
Advise students and families on financial aid options, eligibility, application processes, and financial planning.
Provide one-on-one and group counseling on financial literacy topics, including budgeting, debt management, and loan repayment.
Exercise professional judgment to evaluate individual circumstances and make adjustments or exceptions in aid packages.
Review, interpret, and apply federal, state, and institutional policies to ensure compliance and accuracy in aid disbursement.
Utilize financial aid systems to analyze data, review daily reports, and make necessary adjustments or corrections.
Prepare and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences (classrooms, campus events, financial literacy initiatives, etc.).
Serve as a liaison with federal/state agencies, high school counselors, and external organizations.
Train new staff and student employees on financial aid policies and processing procedures.
Collaborate with campus partners to support recruitment, orientation, and student engagement initiatives such as Experience ISU Visit Days.
Support specialized areas of financial aid administration, such as professional judgment processing, outreach programming, or compliance tracking.
Participate in relevant trainings, conferences, and committee work to maintain up-to-date knowledge and contribute to institutional success.
About the Office of Student Financial Aid
The Office of Student Financial Aid is a unit within the Division of Academic Affairs at Iowa State University. We are committed to supporting student success by helping students maximize financial resources through education, outreach, and individualized support. Our team values accountability, innovation, collaboration, advocacy, and respect.
We also believe in investing in our staff through professional development opportunities, staff retreats, and a collaborative work culture. Each member of our team contributes unique strengths, and we promote open dialogue to enhance our collective impact on the student experience.
If you are passionate about making college more accessible, helping students make informed financial decisions, and working in a team-oriented environment-this is the role for you!
Example of Duties- Assists students and families by making recommendations, interpreting regulations, and reviewing petitions.- Counsels students and families regarding financial aid, including eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management, and financial planning.- Provides status updates regarding eligibility, scholarships, and applications.- Provides specialized support for a financial aid area.- Analyzes data, compiles reports, and applies judgement.- Evaluates individual circumstances and documentation and makes adjustments or exceptions based on judgment.- Prepares and gives presentations related to financial aid and related topics.Level Guidelines- Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals- Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues- Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems- Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests- May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff- May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity- Provides guidance to students
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: - Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans - Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans - Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) - Life insurance and long-term disability - Flexible Spending Accounts - Various voluntary benefits and discounts - Employee Assistance Program - Wellbeing program - Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
Original Posting Date: August 11, 2025
Posting Close Date:August 25, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R17580
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
