Student Financial Aid Administrator - Office of Student Financial Aid

Job Summary
Plan, operate, process and report a wide range of financial aid programs and services provided by the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) to student populations representing a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. OSFA is responsible for the administration and coordination of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs totaling over $1.2 billion annually and provide financial aid information and services to 60,000 students.

Duties & Responsibilities

Customer Service/Outreach Training

• Provide advice and counsel to clients of the Office of Student Financial Aid, either in-person, by telephone or through written correspondence (including e-mail).
• Be knowledgeable of all student financial aid programs and services.
• Serve as liaison with University offices and other related financial aid agencies.
• Utilize available resources and provide presentations to large groups as well as work one-on-one with students and their families.
• Represent OSFA on institutional, state and federal committees and at professional conferences and workshops.
• Develop a thorough knowledge of legislation governing financial aid programs and federal needs analysis methodology.
• Exercise professional judgment when financial aid program guidelines do not seem to adequately address a specific situation.

Program Administration

• Coordinate the staff efforts required to carry out program responsibilities and educate/train other office staff regarding the programs for which they are responsible.
• Responsible for the administration of programs and execution of procedures specified on the Office of Student Financial Aid Program Responsibilities list.
• Responsible for:
  • student awarding
  • disbursement and reconciliation of federal, state and institutional financial aid
  • accounting and funds management
  • maintenance of student record
  • application in-take and processing
  • verification of student records
  • scholarship administration

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, humanities, social sciences, or a closely related field to the position.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional experience working in student services, financial aid/loans or a closely related field within higher education or a related agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Student Personnel, Higher Education, Business Administration or a related field.
• Successful experience in student financial aid or client services.
• Experience presenting information to large groups of people.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5011 - Financial Aid Associate position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search.

Employees hired into this position are expected to work on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis with the possibility of hybrid work options. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 9, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Requisition ID: 1038049
Job Category: Professional and Administrative