Position Title:Financial Aid Advisor I
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree
Preferred Qualifications:Previous experience in financial aid, student services, higher education advising, or related fields.
Public speaking or presentation experience.
Experience with financial literacy topics, including budgeting, student loans, and responsible borrowing.
Experience with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
Experience using student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Banner, Workday) or financial aid management systems.
Job Description:
Looking to make a meaningful impact in the Iowa State University community by supporting and educating students on their financial journey? As a Financial Aid Advisor I in the Office of Student Financial Aid, you will play a critical role in helping students and their families understand how to fund their college education and develop essential financial literacy skills. From one-on-one advising to group presentations and outreach events, you will guide students through the financial aid process, promote responsible money management, and help shape their future. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a collaborative, student-focused environment and is passionate about making college accessible and affordable for all.
Key Responsibilities:
Advise students and their families on financial aid application procedures, eligibility, and available funding options.
Conduct one-on-one advising sessions and group presentations focused on financial literacy and aid opportunities.
Provide customer service support via email, phone, and in-person meetings to meet the needs of students, families, and other stakeholders.
Apply judgment regarding financial aid eligibility and review student records to adjust financial aid packages as needed.
Resolve financial aid disbursement holds and ensure timely processing of awards.
Utilize institutional financial aid systems to manage applications, awards, and reporting.
Engage with student employees by providing guidance on advising and processing questions.
Partner with off-campus centers, high schools, local agencies, and the public to provide outreach and promote financial literacy.
Present to small and large groups, including classrooms, conferences, and events such as Financial Literacy Month and Student Employee of the Year.
Collaborate with internal departments for outreach initiatives, including Orientation and Experience ISU Visit Days.
Stay current on federal, state, and institutional regulations affecting financial aid.
Attend relevant training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
Pursue professional credentials as appropriate to further expertise in financial aid.
About the Department:
The Office of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University is committed to empowering over 85% of undergraduate students through the administration of more than $400 million in financial assistance annually. As a unit within the Division of Academic Affairs, our team helps students and their families understand, apply for, and manage financial aid throughout their academic journey. We are driven by values of student success, innovation, collaboration, and respect. Our supportive work environment emphasizes personal and professional growth, with opportunities for training, development, and meaningful contributions to the university's mission. Join us in making college more accessible and affordable for Iowa State students.
This is a one-year term position with the end date one year from the start date, with the opportunity for renewal.
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 and applies judgement.
Evaluates individual circumstances and documentation and makes adjustments or exceptions based on judgement.
Prepares and gives presentations related to financial aid and related topics.
Level Guidelines
Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision- Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode- Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope- Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained- Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate- May lead projects of limited scope and complexity- May provide 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 with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:December 15, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS805
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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf 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: November 11, 2025
Posting Close Date:November 29, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R18114
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.
