Financial Aid Advisor
South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is looking for a detailed, customer-focused individual to join our team as a Financial Aid Advisor. This position administers financial aid programs, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, educates students about financial aid programs, and helps students navigate the process of paying for college.
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The University is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, offering abundant attractions and activities. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to transforming lives by expanding access to higher education through high-quality, student-centered services. The team supports student success and empowerment, fostering a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement, professional growth, and employee well‑being.
This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Job Responsibilities This position will:
Assist the Financial Aid Director and Assistant Directors with the administration and implementation of internal and external financial aid programs including Alternative Loan Processing, financial aid for study abroad, consortium agreements, and other programs and processes as directed.
Review documentation and make decisions about student eligibility for Federal Title IV Financial Aid in accordance with federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Award financial aid to students.
Interpret and maintain compliance with federal laws and regulations related to the administration of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, state laws and regulations, external agency/entity rules and policies, SDBOR, University, and Office of Financial Aid policies.
Assist with NCAA Compliance.
Develop and disseminate financial aid program information and materials to students, prospective students, staff, families, high school counselors, and other external constituents.
Conduct individual financial aid counseling with students.
Make implementation decisions related to financial aid programs, establishing, documenting, and updating work processes and procedures for financial aid programs.
Collect data, create reports, and evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid programs with recommendations on implementation of improvements and efficiencies.
Coordinate program services with other SDSU and non‑SDSU work units. Serve as program liaison to other SDSU Departments and outside entities.
Use critical reasoning and engage in high‑level problem solving to assist constituents and implement programs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of:
Computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Student information systems such as Banner Student/Financial Aid (desired).
Skills & Abilities:
Strong written communication skills with the ability to write procedures and create concise, compliant, and informative correspondence, presentations, and other written content for internal and external constituents.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to develop rapport with students and other constituents.
Interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations.
Exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and prioritizing work.
Interpret and balance department, University, and Federal/State financial aid program objectives and develop efficient, customer-focused and compliant practical applications and solutions.
Apply basic accounting skills and use algebra to add, subtract and calculate percentages and ratios.
Maintain confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
One or more years of experience working in financial aid.
One or more National Association of Financial Aid Administrators credentials.
Benefits SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, flexibility benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees receive a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.
EEO Statement South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land‑grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
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SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The University is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, offering abundant attractions and activities. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to transforming lives by expanding access to higher education through high-quality, student-centered services. The team supports student success and empowerment, fostering a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement, professional growth, and employee well‑being.
This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Job Responsibilities This position will:
Assist the Financial Aid Director and Assistant Directors with the administration and implementation of internal and external financial aid programs including Alternative Loan Processing, financial aid for study abroad, consortium agreements, and other programs and processes as directed.
Review documentation and make decisions about student eligibility for Federal Title IV Financial Aid in accordance with federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Award financial aid to students.
Interpret and maintain compliance with federal laws and regulations related to the administration of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, state laws and regulations, external agency/entity rules and policies, SDBOR, University, and Office of Financial Aid policies.
Assist with NCAA Compliance.
Develop and disseminate financial aid program information and materials to students, prospective students, staff, families, high school counselors, and other external constituents.
Conduct individual financial aid counseling with students.
Make implementation decisions related to financial aid programs, establishing, documenting, and updating work processes and procedures for financial aid programs.
Collect data, create reports, and evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid programs with recommendations on implementation of improvements and efficiencies.
Coordinate program services with other SDSU and non‑SDSU work units. Serve as program liaison to other SDSU Departments and outside entities.
Use critical reasoning and engage in high‑level problem solving to assist constituents and implement programs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of:
Computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Student information systems such as Banner Student/Financial Aid (desired).
Skills & Abilities:
Strong written communication skills with the ability to write procedures and create concise, compliant, and informative correspondence, presentations, and other written content for internal and external constituents.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to develop rapport with students and other constituents.
Interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations.
Exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and prioritizing work.
Interpret and balance department, University, and Federal/State financial aid program objectives and develop efficient, customer-focused and compliant practical applications and solutions.
Apply basic accounting skills and use algebra to add, subtract and calculate percentages and ratios.
Maintain confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
One or more years of experience working in financial aid.
One or more National Association of Financial Aid Administrators credentials.
Benefits SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, flexibility benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees receive a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.
EEO Statement South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land‑grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
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