Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for managing a specialized federal/institutional financial aid program and assisting students/parents throughout the financial aid process.

The Advisor position is a full-time appointment on a schedule established by the Associate Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services. Overtime or an altered work schedule is sometimes required. The position involves access to and frequent handling of confidential information and records. Minimal supervision is provided; the Financial Aid Advisor must be able to work independently, accurately and prioritize tasks.

Applicants must submit:

• An online employment application
• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide leadership and program management over an assigned area of specialty. Specialization assignments may include Grant and FWS Coordinator, Loan Coordinator, Scholarship Coordinator, Veterans Services Coordinator or Compliance Coordinator.
• Manage and execute day-to-day activities according to federal, state, and institutional requirements, including financial packaging, advising, Title IV eligibility, resolution of data conflicts and over awards. 
• Accountable for program reconciliation, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy and safeguarding the institution’s eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs. 
• Utilize professional judgment on a case-by -case basis in accordance with federal, state and Intuitional statutes. 
• Communicate and serve as liaison with federal and state agencies, financial institutions, campus offices, high school counselors and administrators. 
• Provide financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding the financial aid or veteran processes.
• Monitor and evaluate satisfactory academic progress of students. Advise on financial aid status, eligibility, and appeal process. 
• Represent the financial aid office on various platforms i.e., orientations, class presentations, campus visits, administrative meetings, Board of Trustee meetings, marketing, national and state associations.
• Participate in annual training and professional organizations to keep abreast of federal and state regulatory changes. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or five (5) years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and related work experience. 
• Verbal and mathematical abilities sufficient to perform the functions of the position including excellent use of English grammar are necessary. 
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills. 
• Functional ability in departmentally related software applications, with the ability to learn new programs and adapt to new technology. 
• Ability to interact with parents, students, co-workers, Parkland staff and government agencies on a professional level. 
• In effort to comply with SURS return-to-work restrictions for employers (40 ILCS 5/15-139.5), candidates for employment at Parkland College must either not be a SURS annuitant or must be willing to suspend his/her SURS annuity upon employment. This applies to all SURS annuitants except those receiving their annuity under either the Self-Managed Plan (SMP) or by lump sum payment.

Robust benefits, including medical insurance with no monthly premiums, dental, life, disability, retirement plans, flexible spending, dependent care, EAP, work/life balance with generous paid time off, and tuition waiver. More information on the benefits package may be found online at our Benefits page.