College Planning Advisor
Arkansas Student Loan Authority, A Division of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority
Position Summary
The College Planning Advisor provides guidance and educational support to students and families regarding federal, state, institutional, and private sources of financial assistance for higher education. The advisor assists families in understanding college costs, completing financial aid applications, identifying funding opportunities, and developing strategies to minimize out-of-pocket educational expenses. The position serves as a trusted resource for navigating the financial aid process and promoting access to postsecondary education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Educate and inform students and families about federal financial aid programs, including, but not limited to:
o Federal Pell Grants
o Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
o Federal PLUS Loans
o Federal Work-Study Programs
o Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
· Provide guidance and assistance with completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
· Inform students and families about Arkansas state-funded financial aid programs, including:
o Arkansas Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship
o Arkansas Governor's Scholars Program
o Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship
o Arkansas Teachers Academy
o Arkansas Future Grant Program
o Private Student Loans
o Other state-funded grant and scholarship opportunities as available
· Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of financial aid knowledge.
· Explain financial aid eligibility requirements, award calculations, renewal criteria, and program deadlines.
· Assist families in understanding Student Aid Index (SAI) calculations and financial aid award letters.
· Provide college cost comparisons and affordability planning tools to help families evaluate higher education options.
· Educate families regarding scholarship search strategies and private scholarship opportunities.
· Conduct individual consultations, workshops, webinars, and presentations for students, parents, schools, and community organizations.
· Maintain current knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, policies, and program changes.
· Develop and distribute educational materials related to college affordability, financial aid, and student borrowing.
· Respond to inquiries from students, parents, school counselors, and community partners regarding financial aid programs and processes.
· Document counseling activities and maintain accurate records in accordance with organizational policies.
· Collaborate with schools, colleges, financial aid offices, and community organizations to support college access and success initiatives.
Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Finance, Business, Public Administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
· Knowledge of federal student aid programs and FAFSA processes.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
· Ability to explain financial concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
· Customer service experience and ability to interact professionally with diverse audiences.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and online data systems.
Preferred
· Experience in financial aid administration, college access programs, higher education, counseling, or student services.
· Experience in banking, lending or personal finance.
· Familiarity with Arkansas state financial aid programs and higher education systems.
· Experience conducting educational workshops and community outreach.
· Experience in digital marketing, social media outreach and graphic design.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Knowledge of federal student financial aid programs.
· Knowledge of Arkansas scholarship and grant programs.
· Ability to analyze financial aid information and provide individualized guidance.
· Ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders.
· Commitment to student success, educational access, and affordability.
· Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to represent the organization in a professional and welcoming manner both in person and remotely.
Working Conditions
· Primarily office-based work with periodic travel.
· Occasional travel to high schools, colleges, community events, and educational workshops may be required.
· Occasional evening and weekend presentations or outreach activities.
· Periodic in-state travel to support outreach, training, and partnership activities.
· Attendance may be required at regional and national conferences, professional development programs, and industry meetings related to financial aid, college access, and higher education initiatives.
Position Goal
To increase college access and affordability by providing students and families with accurate, timely, and comprehensive information regarding federal, Arkansas state, institutional, and private financial aid resources, enabling informed decisions about postsecondary education financing.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $64,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
