Financial Aid Advisor

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Official Title: Academic Services Intermediate Professional
Working Title: Financial Aid Advisor
FTE: Full Time 1.0 (100%) FTE | Hybrid
Salary Range: $49,000 - $52,000
Position # 00706338 - Requisition #39743
Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

As part of the Financial Aid & Scholarships team, the Financial Aid Advisor is primarily responsible for advising students and families regarding educational funding and financial aid processes through two-way conversations. This position serves as the primary point of contact for students with financial situations and needs of moderate complexity. The Financial Aid Advisor meets with students in walk-in or scheduled appointments to address their educational funding needs, including but not limited to: the completion of funding applications, required documentation, and the completion of tasks that lead to the successful disbursement of funding.

The Financial Aid Advisor participates in recruitment initiatives and outreach programs, retention work, orientation, and graduation activities. The Financial Aid Advisor works collaboratively with colleagues across campus to provide wrap-around support for all issues, helping students navigate to additional resources as necessary. Some evenings, weekends, and holiday hours may be required.

Financial Aid Advisor:
What you will do:

• Advise students, families, and community members about the financial aid process, funding options, costs, and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA).
• Interpret financial aid requirements in accordance with federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policy and procedure.
• Determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Exercise professional judgment for individual and special circumstances
• Articulate to students, families, and other members of the community how changes to the FAFSA or CASFA will affect financial need, dependency status, and/or student cost of attendance.
• Maintain accuracy and compliance when awarding and adjusting financial aid on individual student aid packages.
• Participate in outreach events, both on and off-campus, as a representative of the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of professional level experience in a financial aid, admissions and/or scholarships office, or related field that focuses on customer service(s) within a financial context (ex. banking, Advisory, Wealth Management, Insurance, etc.).
  • Two (2) or more years of student worker experience in a Financial Aid Office may be considered in lieu of professional experience.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Two (2) years of professional experience working in a financial aid office.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Training in de-escalation and/or customer service.
• Experience working with student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft or Banner).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to interpret complex information and use it to inform decision making. Ability to find effective solutions by taking a holistic perspective.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret and master complex information.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of access and engagement with a commitment to developing equitable practices.
• Ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others' concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.
• Working knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations governing financial aid.
• Demonstrates a commitment to excellent customer service, providing internal and external customers with information or assistance in resolving problems.
• Adapts quickly to change and is able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a calm, organized manner; is open to new ideas and methods; is able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sets priorities, anticipates obstacles when planning, manages time effectively to accomplish tasks.
• Adept at utilizing technology to effectively communicate and complete work (e.g., MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, CRM, SIS); ability to learn new technology.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements

• This position may be performed in a hybrid or remote environment, requiring the ability to work effectively in a remote setting. This includes maintaining a dedicated workspace free of excessive noise or distractions, reliable internet connectivity, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings for extended periods. Employees must be able to independently manage time, remain stationary for prolonged computer-based work, and transport necessary equipment (such as a laptop and peripherals) between their remote work location and the office as needed.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $49,000 - $52,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by May 13, 2026, 11:59:00 PM.Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
• A current CV/resume
• List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Questions should be directed to Lindsay Fero at Lindsay.Fero@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.