Department Contact: Maria Hernandez, 575-646-7598, mgh1@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The University Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Department is seeking a highly motivated student centered individual with excellent customer service skills to join the Financial Aid team.

Position Details

Position Title: Financial Aid Advisor

College/Division: Student Success & Enroll Management

Department: 521040-UNIV FIN AID & SCHOLARSHIP SVCS

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 43,908.80

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Financial Aid Advising and Counseling: Provide personalized, one-on-one advising to students, prospective students, and families on financial aid options, eligibility, and application processes. Assist students in understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI), Cost of Attendance (COA), and their financial need calculations. Guide students through the financial aid process, including advising on specialized programs like MAP, study abroad, and consortium agreements. Support students facing financial or personal hardships through appeals, professional judgment requests, and financial hardship counseling. Offer specialized advising to diverse student populations, including veterans, undocumented students, graduate students, and independent students. Respond to inquiries via email, phone, and in-person meetings, providing updates on financial aid status and clarifying award letters and disbursement schedules.

Applicant Processing and Award Packaging: Review and analyze FAFSA applications for accuracy, completeness, and eligibility. Collect and verify documentation for federal and institutional verification processes. Package and award financial aid according to federal, state, and institutional guidelines, ensuring that changes in student enrollment or status are reflected in aid packages. Adjust financial aid awards based on changes in funding, enrollment, or following successful appeals or professional judgment requests.

Data Records Management: Ensure the accurate entry, maintenance, and updating of student financial aid records in the student information system (e.g., Banner). Track and monitor award amounts, loan limits, and aggregate borrowing data using federal databases (e.g., NSLDS, COD). Maintain electronic financial aid files and ensure FERPA compliance in all data handling and storage. Conduct data analysis and generate reports on financial aid distribution, trends, and SAP evaluations.

Regulatory Compliance and Policy Oversight: Stay up-to-date with federal and state financial aid regulations (e.g., Title IV, SAP) and interpret any changes or updates to these regulations. Monitor and manage Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluations and oversee the SAP appeal process, including creating academic plans for approved appeals. Develop, implement, and review internal financial aid procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. Ensure the university’s adherence to federal, state, and institutional policies related to financial aid and scholarships.

Outreach, Training and Presentations: Represent the university at community and high school outreach events to educate prospective students and families about financial aid options. Present financial aid information at student orientations, workshops, and training sessions for staff and other departments. Collaborate with other departments, including admissions, registrar, and academic affairs, to support student retention and success. Create and deliver training materials and financial aid resources for both internal staff and external partners. Stay current with best practices in financial aid advising and participate in ongoing professional development. Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Bachelor's degree preferred

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.