Financial Assistance Advisor
Location: Peoria, IL · Posted: 2026-08-21 · Salary: USD 43000.0 -
USD 47500.0 · Reference: 2076
Position Title: Financial Assistance Advisor/Assistant Director of Financial
Aid
Department: Financial Assistance
Reports to: Director of Financial Assistance
Appointment: Full-time; 40 hours per week (12-month position)
Status: Exempt
Bradley University is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor or Assistant Director of
Financial Aid to join the Office of Financial Assistance. This position serves
as a key resource for students and families as they navigate the financial aid
process and make decisions about financing a Bradley education.
The Financial Aid Advisor provides individualized counseling, reviews and
administers financial aid, assists students and families with understanding
their options, and helps remove financial barriers to enrollment and continued
student success. The successful candidate will combine strong customer service
and communication skills with attention to detail, sound judgment, and a
commitment to administering financial aid accurately and in accordance with
federal, state, and institutional requirements.
As a member of Bradley's enrollment management team, the Financial Aid Advisor
will collaborate closely with colleagues in Financial Assistance, Admissions,
Student Financial Services, and other campus offices to provide a coordinated
and student-centered experience.
Essential Responsibilities
Student and Family Advising
Counsel prospective students, current students, and families regarding
financial aid eligibility, application requirements, financial aid offers,
scholarships, grants, loans, work opportunities, and financing options.
Explain financial aid information in a clear, approachable manner that
helps students and families understand both their options and their
responsibilities.
Assist students and families with completing financial aid requirements,
resolving outstanding issues, and identifying next steps.
Provide proactive outreach to students with incomplete financial aid files
or other issues that could create barriers to enrollment or continued
attendance.
Support students experiencing changing financial circumstances and provide
guidance regarding available review and appeal processes.
Deliver a high level of responsive, compassionate, and solutions-oriented
service.
Financial Aid Administration
Review student financial aid files and determine eligibility for federal,
state, institutional, and private financial assistance in accordance with
applicable regulations and University policies.
Review FAFSA information and supporting documentation and resolve
discrepancies or conflicting information.
Exercise professional judgment within established regulatory and
institutional guidelines when appropriate.
Assist with verification, satisfactory academic progress, special
circumstances, loan processing, and other financial aid functions as
assigned.
Maintain accurate student records and documentation within financial aid
and University systems.
Monitor assigned student populations, reports, and workflows to identify
outstanding requirements and potential issues.
Protect confidential student and family information and maintain
compliance with FERPA and applicable financial aid regulations.
Enrollment and Student Success
Partner with Admissions and other enrollment colleagues to support
prospective and admitted students throughout the enrollment process.
Participate in recruitment and yield activities, including visit programs,
admitted student events, financial aid presentations, and individual
family appointments.
Support retention efforts by helping current students identify and address
financial issues that could affect their ability to continue at Bradley.
Develop an understanding of Bradley's institutional scholarships, grants,
financial aid policies, tuition and fees, and other resources available to
students.
Help identify recurring student questions or process barriers and
recommend opportunities to improve communication and the student
experience.
Campus Collaboration and Professional Development
Build effective working relationships with campus partners, including
Admissions, Student Financial Services, Registrar, Academic Affairs,
Student Affairs, and other offices.
Stay current on changes to federal and state financial aid regulations,
professional standards, and emerging best practices.
Participate in professional development and ongoing cross-training within
the Office of Financial Assistance and the broader enrollment division.
Assist with financial aid presentations, workshops, outreach programs, and
campus events.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University's enrollment
and student-success goals.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to explain complex information clearly to students and families.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced
environment.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with
individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when
working with sensitive student and family information.
Proficiency with standard office technology and the ability to learn
financial aid and student information systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in financial aid, higher education, student services,
enrollment management, banking, financial services, or a related field.
Candidates with more than 3 years of collegiate financial aid experience
will be considered for the Assistant Director title.
Knowledge of federal and state student financial aid programs and
regulations.
Experience working with financial aid management or student information
systems.
Experience providing individualized advising or counseling to students and
families.
Experience with PowerFAIDS, Workday, Slate, or related higher education
technology.
Experience presenting information to groups or facilitating educational
workshops.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
A student-first approach to service and problem solving.
The ability to balance empathy and flexibility with regulatory and
institutional requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Accuracy and attention to detail when reviewing financial information and
student records.
Initiative and willingness to take ownership of student questions through
resolution.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Comfort working during periods of high student and family contact.
Commitment to continuous learning in a regulatory environment that changes
frequently.
Working Expectations
This position requires regular interaction with students, families, faculty,
staff, and campus partners. Some evening or weekend work may be required
during peak enrollment periods, recruitment programs, financial aid events,
and other University activities.
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and complete contact
information for a minimum of three professional references with telephone
numbers.
Please submit all materials at the time of initial application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the
position(s) is filled.
Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon successful completion of
a criminal background check. Must be able to access non-ADA compliant
facilities.
Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health,
dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan
options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for
employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program. Information
regarding our benefits can be found here:
https: // www. bradley.edu/offices/business/human-resources/benefits/
Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois,
offering nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students' opportunities,
choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and
collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions
that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate
and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education,
engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and
technology.
Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The
administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified
candidates from underrepresented groups.
