Financial Aid Advisor II
- Iowa State University
- Ames, IA
- 5mo ago
- Full-Time
- On-site
Join our team as a Financial Aid Advisor II and make a meaningful impact on students’ lives—especially those pursuing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program! In this role, you will guide DVM students and their families through the financial aid process, providing clear and accurate information on applications, awards, scholarships, and eligibility requirements. You will independently manage financial aid packaging, disbursement, and specialized programs related to veterinary medicine while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Your expertise will support DVM-specific budgets, scholarship cycles, private loans, and professional judgment decisions. As a Financial Aid Advisor, you will deliver exceptional customer service, ensure timely awarding of funds, and contribute to key enrollment goals for the College of Veterinary Medicine. You will collaborate with campus partners, federal and state agencies, and financial institutions while advising students on financial planning, loan indebtedness, clinical rotation expenses, and university billing.
This deadline-driven position requires strong attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. If you bring excellent problem-solving and communication skills and want to support future veterinarians in a student-centered environment, this role is a great fit for you!
Independently manage financial aid eligibility determination, packaging, and disbursement for DVM students.
Apply professional judgment for disbursement holds, overrides, and eligibility exceptions.
Administer and support specialized federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.
Review and analyze loan processing and daily reports to identify discrepancies and take corrective action.
Coordinate DVM scholarship cycles, including nomination solicitation, eligibility verification, and award processing.
Evaluate private loan requests and recommend options based on student circumstances and program demands.
Develop and maintain DVM-specific cost of attendance budgets, including clinical travel, equipment, and licensing exam fees.
Maintain accurate documentation, audit trails, and compliance records for all aid-related actions.
Provide intermediate-level advising to DVM students and families regarding financial aid processes, eligibility, borrowing, and funding options tailored to veterinary education.
Advise students and families in a variety of formats and assist with escalated, complex cases.
Conduct presentations and workshops during DVM orientations, recruitment events, and financial literacy programming.
Hold office hours at DVM campus locations and support outreach during visit days, open houses, and student organization meetings.
Collaborate with DVM academic and student services staff to identify students in need of financial intervention or support.
Act as a liaison between the DVM program, Accounts Receivable, Registrar, Foundation, and other campus partners.
Utilize and update financial aid systems for accurate processing and reporting.
Support and guide staff and student employees with advising and processing questions.
May assist team supervisor by analyzing data, compiling reports, or communicating with internal and external partners.
Represent the Office of Student Financial Aid during campus events such as Orientation, Experience ISU Visit Days, and other outreach activities.
Develop and execute financial aid awareness plans and provide outreach to off-campus centers, high schools, public agencies, and community partners.
Prepare and deliver materials for presentations to small and large groups (e.g., classrooms, Campus Partners Conference, Financial Literacy Month).
Participate in audits, process improvements, and professional development activities related to financial aid for health professions.
Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations, counseling best practices, and trends in professional and veterinary education financing.
May represent OSFA on university committees or state, regional, or national associations and may earn professional credentials.
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.
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.
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.