College Financial Services Advisor

Looking for a new opportunity where you can make a difference and grow your career at the same time?

Look no further.

We're Sonoran Desert Institute and we've been changing lives since 2000.

Our team is growing, and we are seeking an experienced Financial Services Advisor to join our team.

Our story:

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) has been changing lives since 2000. As a DEAC accredited school, our mission is to provide students with current, industry-driven, quality education, delivered through online distance education and practical applications. SDI is an employee-owned company creating a culture with an ownership mentality at the foundation. We believe in rewarding our employees through the success of the institution. We're proud to be recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute as a Great Place to Work for both 2023 and 2024 — and we're just getting started.  Come be a part of our dynamic organization where you will have the ability to impact the lives of others as they pursue their educational journey with us.

What you will be doing:

The Financial Services Advisor I (FSA) is responsible for assisting new and continuing students between their enrollment and graduation date to secure funding via Title IV funding sources. FSAs handle all student outreach, advisement, document collection, file review, and awarding that pertains to those funding sources.

• Complies with all Federal, State, accreditation and institutional policies and procedures
• Coordinates payment plans with students for balances owed to school
• Maintains knowledge of SDI's pricing model and refund policies
• Communicates daily with students via phone and email communication
• Prepares operational tracking reports as requested by management
• Assists with file reviews, audits and other regulatory requirements as needed
• Completes all ISIR review including conflicting information, verification, and C-code resolution
• Follows all Title IV policies and procedures
• Awards Title IV funds for all eligible students
• Collects necessary documentation for completion of files
• Handles exit counseling for all dropped and graduated Title IV loan recipients
• Sends out and collects all necessary post withdrawal disbursement forms
• Updates all necessary systems with pertinent student information
• Coordinates cancellations and start date changes
• Produces and sends all offer letters
• Other tasks as assigned

What we offer:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Award winning culture 
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Comprehensive benefits package with 100% company-paid medical option for employee
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Company-paid Life insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer time off)
• 14 Paid holidays
• Referral program
• Education Tuition Benefit program
• Career development opportunities with a growing company
• And perhaps most importantly, a team who is dedicated to your success

What we are looking for:

• High School Diploma, required
• Associate's degree or higher preferred
• Two years or more experience as a college Title IV financial advisor
• Experience with financial aid programs and federal, state and institutional regulations and policies
• Experience in student advising methods and financial aid instructions
• Knowledge of financial aid need analysis and packaging
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions
• Ability to produce large volumes of accurate work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to provide guidance and instructions to a wide variety of students
• Ability to work with initiative and innovation; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Working knowledge of automated student funding systems
• Ability to keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and harmonious working relationships with a wide range of individuals in a variety of work settings
• Experience working in a remote setting
• Experience providing customer or client service over the phone

Sonoran Desert Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It recruits and hires without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran or disability status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any factors prohibited by law and affirms in policy and practice to support equal opportunity in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

*Unless specifically agreed upon, SDI does not provide relocation assistance

**Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

***All benefits not available immediately upon hire. Some eligibility requirements may need to be met to be eligible for some benefits based on company policy.