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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 with financial aid management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Ellucian, Workday Student, or other student information systems).

Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, with experience working with programs such as FAFSA, FISAP, IPEDS, and state grant programs.

Prior experience providing advising, counseling, or customer service in a higher education setting.

Data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret reports, reconcile funds, and identify discrepancies.

Experience presenting or facilitating workshops/outreach for students, families, or campus/community partners.

Job Description:

Join our team as a Financial Aid Advisor II and make a meaningful impact on students’ lives! In this role, you will guide students and their families through the financial aid process, offering clear and accurate information on applications, awards, scholarships, and eligibility requirements. Your expertise will support compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while assisting with the processing and management of aid programs. As a Financial Aid Advisor, you will deliver exceptional customer service, ensure timely awarding of funds, and contribute to key enrollment goals. You will work closely with a variety of stakeholders—including federal and state agencies, high school counselors, and financial institutions—while advising students on financial planning, student loan indebtedness, aid programs, 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 be part of a student-centric environment, this role is a great fit for you.

Main duties of the role:

+ Determine student financial aid eligibility and adjust aid packages.

+ Apply professional judgment for disbursement holds, overrides, and eligibility exceptions.

+ Administer and support state and federal financial aid programs.

+ Review and analyze daily reports to identify discrepancies and take corrective action.

+ Manage funds disbursement, reconciliation of state aid, and resolution of conflicting information.

+ Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails for all aid-related actions.

+ Advise students and families on financial aid processes, eligibility, and resources.

+ Provide customer service coverage and assist with escalated student issues.

+ Utilize and update financial aid systems for accurate processing and reporting.

+ Interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations to ensure compliance.

+ Support and guide staff and student employees with advising and processing questions.

+ Assist with training new staff or Financial Aid Advisor I employees in key processes.

+ Prepare and deliver financial aid outreach presentations and materials.

+ Coordinate events and collaborate with campus partners to enhance student experience.

+ Participate in audits, process improvements, and professional development activities.

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.

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 [email protected] 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 21, 2025

Posting Close Date:December 5, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R18169

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 [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.