Lead Financial Aid Advisor

Posting DetailsPosting SummaryLogoPosting Number STA00276PO26Job Family Student Administrative ServicesJob Function Financial AidUSC Market Title Financial Aid OfficerLink to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/177255Job Level P4 - ProfessionalBusiness Title (Internal Title) Lead Financial Aid AdvisorCampus ColumbiaWork County RichlandCollege/Division School of Medicine ColumbiaDepartment SOMC Student AffairsState Pay Range G10USC Market Range MRH - $63,557 $79,446 $95,336Anticipated Hiring Range $63,557 $79,446 $95,336Location of VacancyPart/Full Time Full TimeHours per Week 37.5Work ScheduleStandard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pmMust be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.Basis 12 monthsJob Search Category Student ServicesAbout USCAbout University of South CarolinaFrom the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.Veterans' Preference StatementThe University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.Benefits for FTE PositionsThe University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.Position DescriptionAdvertised Job SummaryThe Lead Financial Aid Advisor provides strategic leadership and vision for all aspects of student financial assistance in support of the medical school’s educational mission, student success, and institutional priorities. Reporting to administrative leadership, the Lead Financial Aid Advisor serves as the principal advisor on financial aid strategy, student debt, and cost of attendance, ensuring regulatory compliance while advancing innovative, equity-driven approaches to financing medical education.The advisor leads a high-impact financial aid operation that integrates compliance excellence, data-informed decision-making, and proactive student engagement. This role plays a critical institutional leadership function in recruitment, retention, student well-being, and long-term workforce outcomes.Job Related Minimum Required Education And ExperienceRequires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.Preferred QualificationsRequired Certification, Licensure/Other CredentialsMaster’s degree in job-related field and 4 or more years of experience in undergraduate or graduate financial aid or a related financial leadership role or other job-related experience.Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesDetail oriented, with the ability to work with various stakeholders to achieve a desired result.Self-motivated and able to work independently and carefully manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously with short deadlines in a high-volume environment.Interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.Ability to analyze data to produce reports and for assessment purposes.Ability to maintain confidentiality.Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with key employers, visitors, professional contacts, faculty, staff, and administration. Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office and web-based software.Must demonstrate independent judgment and discretion with respect to matters of significance.Job DutiesJob DutyStrategic Leadership & Institutional Impact Provides vision and strategic direction for the medical school’s financial aid enterprise, aligning financial aid policies and practices with institutional goals related to access, affordability, inclusion, and student success. Advises senior leadership on national and institutional trends in medical education costs, student debt, federal regulations, and peer benchmarking, translating insights into actionable institutional strategies. Leads long-range planning related to cost of attendance, tuition setting, and financial aid sustainability using financial modeling and data analytics. Advocates for current and future financial aid resources, including institutional scholarships and innovative funding mechanisms, to support student access and minimize educational debt.Essential Function YesPercentage of Time 30Job DutyStudent-Centered Financial Strategy & Debt Management Leads a comprehensive, proactive approach to financial counseling, debt management education, and financial literacy for applicants, students, and graduates across the medical education continuum. Develops systems to identify students at risk of financial distress and implement early intervention strategies in collaboration with student affairs and academic leadership. Guides the development of individualized financial aid packages that maximize benefit to students while supporting institutional priorities such as recruitment and diversity. Provides oversight for counseling students experiencing significant financial hardship and determining appropriate institutional responses.Essential Function YesPercentage of Time 20Job DutyFinancial Aid Policy, Compliance & Stewardship Ensures full compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, including Title IV administration, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment status, and required reporting. Recommends and implements institutional policies and procedures in response to evolving federal regulations and accreditation expectations.– Oversees the awarding, reconciliation, and stewardship of institutional scholarship, grant, and loan funds, ensuring transparency, equity, and fiscal responsibility. Serves as the institutional authority on financial aid regulations and their implications for medical students, programs, and academic policies.Essential Function YesPercentage of Time 20Job DutyManagement & Operational Excellence Oversees the day-to-day operations of the financial aid office, ensuring efficient, student-centered service delivery and continuous improvement. Leads, mentors, and develops a professional staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence. Utilizes data, assessment, and outcomes measures to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.Essential Function YesPercentage of Time 15Job DutyCollaboration, Partnerships & Innovation Partners closely with Admissions, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Finance, Alumni Affairs, and Development to integrate financial aid considerations into enrollment management, curricular decisions, and student support strategies. Collaborates with advancement and external partners to demonstrate student financial need and support the development of new scholarship and funding opportunities. Represents the medical school at national forums and professional associations related to financial aid and medical education.Essential Function YesPercentage of Time 15Position AttributesEmployees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive NoHazardous weather category Non-EssentialPosting Detail InformationNumber of Vacancies 1Desired Start DateJob Open Date 04/22/2026Job Close Date 06/06/2026Open Until Filled NoSpecial Instructions to ApplicantPositions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.We are only accepting applications submitted by June 6, 2026.The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:Health and Life InsuranceRetirement ProgramsPaid TuitionDependent ScholarshipsAnnual LeaveSick Leave13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)Paid Parental LeaveProfessional Development OpportunitiesClick here to learn more about why you should work at USC .Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/205279EEO StatementThe University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV /AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.