Academic and Finance Advisor I

Position Summary

The Academic and Finance Advisor (AFA) serves as a student’s key point of contact, providing in-depth, quality service to students from the time they enter the first course until they graduate. Academic and Finance Advisors spend a majority of the day speaking with students on the phone, via email, text messaging, and chat providing academic and financial support while also supporting the students in overcoming challenges that could prevent progress to graduation. Provides policy information and assistance throughout the student's educational time with the University. In addition, also provides direct support associated with the students’ financial aid and addresses all questions regarding funding for students throughout the duration of the program. Provides exceptional customer service and timely, quality responses to all student inquiries. Is a liaison between each student and all other teams within the University. Identifies at-risk students and successful students while educating and motivating students to increase their likelihood of progressing to graduation. Additionally, responsible for a specific set of operating tasks, and measured using key metrics including retention rates, healthy student account balances, and task completion rates.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain all tasks/responsibilities for student load set by leadership team.
• Performs daily operating tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Director, Roadrunner System, Student Portfolio Report, or other task delivery methods.
• Proactively identify various "at risk" student populations and provide low level resolutions to assist students in successful program completion.
• Monitor student degree plans and course schedules to ensure students remain in compliance with University policy and degree plan requirements.
• Assist students with any changes to their course of study.
• Identify at-risk behaviors in students and proactively provide support and resources to students to ensure students stay on the path for graduation.
• Accurately describe and advise to financial aid requirements and University policies and procedures.
• Monitor each assigned student’s academic progress, per Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines and requirements.
• Monitor receivable balances and recommend lockouts and dismissals for financial reasons.
• Responsible for maintaining reasonable outstanding balances and exercising collection efforts.
• Contribute to a positive and productive team atmosphere and working conditions.
• Attend all required team meetings and trainings, adjusting schedule as necessary.
• Deliver messages to students on behalf of the University as needed, not limited to above mentioned tasks.
• Provide professional and composed support to escalated students.
• Participate in ongoing department projects, or other special projects, as needed.
• Reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirements of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  N/A

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in advising, customer service or related is required.
• Experience in student services or training and development in a collegial setting preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-paced customer/student-centric position preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.
• All skills, abilities and education will be considered for minimum qualifications.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Knowledge of academic and business practices in an online environment.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures, including policy updates.
• Strong customer service skills and a desire to work in this capacity.
• Ability to manage conflict with student concerns or escalations.
• Skill in de-escalating students as well as mitigating and resolving student complaints. 
• Strong ability to provide friendly student service on all calls and written correspondence regardless of message being delivered.
• Ability to remain solution-focused in all interactions with students, team members, clients, faculty, and staff keeping in mind all University policies and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of available private, state, and federal financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of FDCP Act and general payment practices.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Ability to use and facilitate online communication using email and/or other technology-based communication media.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to prepare letters, reports, and business correspondence.
• Must be able to consistently display the highest level of integrity.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to work well in teams, while contributing to positive and productive team atmosphere, working conditions, etc.
• Ability to advocate for students without compromising the integrity of the University.
• Strong understanding of the University mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and other applications in the Microsoft Office suite.

Location: Remote

Travel: No Travel Required

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Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies.  Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family.  For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: $20.00 - $23.00

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 5,000 faculty and staff and serves over 41,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community and a commitment to diversity. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our diverse student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University offers an opportunity to work in an innovative environment that supports diversity.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a diverse mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University. We are focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, color, ancestry, age, family care status, veteran status, marital status, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and other legally protected group status.