Student Financial Services Advisor (SFM) (31090)

Serves as central point of contact as Advisor to prospective and current students. Ensures timely, accurate, and student-centered service with regard to the student financial account. Serves as the students primary point of contact and advocate with regard to other University offices and external financial agents. Responsible for working through the financial aid application process with student customers to determine eligibility for Title IV Financial Aid. Process requires accuracy, completeness and adherence to University aid policies and Federal Regulations. Requires initiative and strong operations management results regarding responsibilities.

Requires a consistent and effective interface with University Financial Aid and Accounts Receivable processing centers as well as applicable Student Service Team members. Effectively communicates all financial options and information to students as well as applicable University employees. Responsibilities are carried out with minimum supervision and through personal initiative. Serves as an integral member of a Student Services Team.

Essential Functions:

- Conducts Financial Advisory Sessions for new, transfer, re-entry, and returning students.

- In cooperation with Enrollment Advisors, conducts in-person, telephone, or video appointments with new students prior to first enrollment to provide a personalized orientation to the Universitys financial policies and student-specific information to assist students with financial awareness and planning.

- In cooperation with Academic/Re-entry Advisors, conduct in-person, telephone, or video appointments with re-entry students as requested to provide a personalized review of the Universitys financial policies and student-specific information.

- Serves as a dedicated Finance Advisor to a portfolio of active students of up to 500 students. Is responsible for communicating information and collecting required documents necessary for financial clearance for each term.

- Manages the financial clearance and financial drop processes each term in accordance with established metrics and expected standards of service.

- Requires an effective interface and collaboration with other University offices, primarily the University Financial Aid and Accounts Receivable processing teams, regarding student account processing, account questions, and concerns while serving as students primary point of contact and advocate. Will require exercising effective e problem solving skills and managing difficult conversations.

- Must understand and continuously expand knowledge of relevant Title IV financial aid regulations; education assistance programs through VA, military, states, and employers; student finance as well as University programs, policies, procedures, and systems

- Must ensure students are provided tools and information to understand how to set up a payment plan and additionally provides support to payment plan set up processes in J1.

- Cooperates effectively with applicable Student Services Team (SST) members. Actively supports the objectives of SST advisors with retention efforts.

- Fosters a support system for the student by connecting the learner with appropriate University personnel and services.

- Participates in regular meetings with supervisor and team, meetings, and campus events.

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelors Degree strongly preferred. Applicable equivalent experience may substitute for the degree.

Required Experience: Minimum two years of applicable service/student advising experience is required. Prior higher education business office/financial aid processing or advising experience is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

- Commitment to quality service and a positive customer experience every time.

- Strong communication skills via email, telephone, video meetings, or in person.

- Ability and willingness to have tough conversations, facilitate resolution of difficult situations, and navigate challenging interpersonal or group dynamics with patience and kindness.

- Must have the skills to self-initiate, manage a diverse set of duties, and make sound decisions.

- Ability to prioritize and balance multiple responsibilities.

- Can work effectively under stressful, time-sensitive deadlines.

- Demonstrates integrity and confidentiality with conversations and information.

- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accuracy

- Analytical thinker and problem solver

- Systems- and process-minded (can see the bigger picture)

- Proficiency with a PC including the Microsoft Office suite, Zoom, and student information systems (and/or the ability to learn new systems)

Working Conditions:
(Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions)

- This position may require evening and weekend work and activities for certain events and meetings.

- May require long work days with extensive hours spent sitting and working in front of a computer screen with others.

- Must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at a time.

Travel Requirements:

- If travel is required, list type and approximate percentage: No Travel required.

- Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties: No

Standard University Expectations:

- Be mindful and supportive of the Mission of Ottawa University.

- Understand and follow the Universitys policies and procedures and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the Universitys Code of Conduct and Ethics.

- Manage your staff in accordance with University personnel policies. Encourage collaboration among the staff, provide regular evaluation and feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.

- Model and encourage collaboration among University offices and campuses assuring effective communication and operations.

- Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.

- Exercise inclusivity in your daily actions in accordance with the Universitys Mission Statement, Statement of Spiritual Identity, and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.

Our University

Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity from residential campuses in Ottawa, Kansas (established 1865) and Surprise, Arizona (established 2017) and from professional and online campuses in Kansas City, Phoenix, and Milwaukee.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, student-centered, private comprehensive university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.