Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University provides a holistic Christian education, fostering wisdom, faith, and service in its students. In joining the staff here, you will be part of an academic community that seeks to cultivate your faith while you make a difference in the lives of our students. Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene's vibrant university district, which also includes the University of Oregon. Eugene is a college town small enough to know your neighbors and large enough to offer fantastic arts, entertainment, dining, healthcare, and educational opportunities. It is also an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest, being just one hour from the Oregon Coast, one hour from the Cascade Mountains, and less than two hours from Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.

The Financial Aid Advisor assists the Director of Financial Aid in the administration of institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs for students pursuing the University's undergraduate, online, and graduate programs. The Financial Aid Advisor position also meets with and counsels prospective students and their families on affordability, financial aid processes, and award specifics. This position is a part of a collaborative team within the University's Student Development Division supporting strategic enrollment goals, retention initiatives, and student engagement. Strong communication, organization, attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential to this position.

Position Duties And Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with the Office of Admission on prospective student's financial aid eligibility, scholarship communication, and award status.
• Coordinate financial aid awards for students. This includes interpreting federal need analysis to determine student eligibility for aid, updating student files, reviewing incomplete documents, collecting missing information, resolving conflicting information, and performing verification of FAFSA applications.
• Assist with year-end financial audit.
• Use capabilities of financial aid software to interpret Need Analysis for estimating financial aid awards, problem solving, and assisting students on an individual basis.
• Provide counseling to prospective and continuing students in financial aid availability, procedures, and application processes.
• Assist in disbursement of Financial Aid to the Business Office for distribution on student billing accounts.
• Provide support services by covering phone, greeting visitors and students, and maintaining designated office hours.
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid with outreach initiatives to both internal and external populations including FAFSA/scholarship workshops, high school info nights, and social media campaigns.
• Award outside and church matching scholarships as received.
• Participate in office goal setting and planning.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience And Qualification Requirements: Bachelor's Degree required. 1-2 year(s) of experience working with technically complex information such as financial aid, accounting, or student records are strongly recommended. Prior experience in an academic environment and/or experience working with PowerFAIDS/Jenzabar systems are highly desirable.

Applicants should possess the following skills:

• High level of computer literacy with experience with database systems, Microsoft software including, but not limited to Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook email.
• Ability and willingness to acquire sufficient institutional and federal financial aid information to counsel people to understand basic issues and processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and operate effectively within a team environment.

Working Conditions/Special Requirements:

• Bushnell University employees must have a maturing Christian Faith and be supporting of Bushnell's mission to foster wisdom, faith, and service through excellent academic programs within a Christ-centered community.
• The position requires a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
• The position requires working in a non-smoking, drug free environment.
• The employee must adhere to FERPA guidelines and student confidentiality at all times.
• The employee must have high personal motivation, with great attention to detail and accuracy, project a positive and vibrant attitude in assisting people, and have high ethics of honesty and confidentiality with a genuine and gracious presence pertaining to the students, faculty, staff and business of the department and the College.
• The employee must be able drive a vehicle and possess (or have the ability to attain) an Oregon Drivers License.
• The position may require lifting up to 25 lbs, as well as bending, stooping, kneeling for the purposes of setting up and taking down admissions displays.
• Position will occasionally require travel and varied working hours including evenings and weekends.

Application Requirements: Bushnell University employees are expected to abide by the Theological Context for Bushnell Community Life. Please read this document before continuing.

For consideration, please include the following materials in your application and submit them through the APPLY link below:

• Cover letter addressing your skills, experience, and knowledge;
• Resume;
• Contact information for three references;
• A Personal 'Statement of Faith' that addresses how a maturing Christian faith finds expression in the candidate's personal life, family life, community life, and current church membership.

Please note: Incomplete application packets may result in disqualification. Final candidate will be required to undergo a criminal background investigation. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Mark Cameron at 541-684-7204 or mcameron@bushnell.edu. In compliance with the Clery Act, Bushnell University provides our Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report. You may request a paper copy from the Office of Student Life by calling 541-684-7345. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the university.