Financial Aid Advisor 3

Position Title:

Financial Aid Advisor III - Team Supervisor

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in higher education financial aid administration, including federal and state student aid programs.

Experience with financial aid systems such as Workday, COD, NSLDS, and related reporting and reconciliation tools.

Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, and performance management.

Experience conducting audits, reconciling funds, and reporting on complex financial data.

Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.

Job Description:

The Office of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Financial Aid Advisor III – Team Supervisor to lead and manage our funds management operations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical knowledge, professional judgment, and leadership skills to support students, families, and the broader campus community while advancing the university’s mission of accessible, high-quality education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage review of ISIRs, request outstanding documents, and perform funds management and C Code reviews in compliance with federal regulations.
• Execute and resolve funds management tasks including drawdowns, compliance checks, reconciliation, and disbursement of federal and state grant and loan funds.
• Establish student eligibility, create or adjust financial aid packages, and apply professional judgment for disbursement holds and overrides.
• Identify process gaps, recommend improvements, and maintain accurate documentation and data integrity across financial aid systems.
• Conduct audits, analyze data, compile reports, and contribute to forecasting and budget planning for fund utilization.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop direct reports, manage schedules, and lead team meetings to ensure effective operations.
• Coordinate with finance, accounting, and student services teams to ensure accurate aid posting, reconciliation, and delivery.
• Advise students and families on financial aid processes, disbursement timelines, and refund procedures; serve as primary contact for escalated cases.
• Develop outreach materials, presentations, and FAQs to enhance student understanding of funds management.
• Maintain knowledge of institutional, federal, and state regulations, provide staff training, and represent OSFA in internal and external outreach initiatives.

About the Office of Student Financial Aid:
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.
• May supervise employees.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision to one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• 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:

PS808

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:

September 17, 2025

Posting Close Date:

October 6, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17809