Financial Aid Specialist – Part-Time

HelloCollege

. Serve as a primary financial aid advisor for HelloCollege families .

Posted 9/16/2026part-timeRemote • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $35 - $50 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial aid advising, including proficiency with FAFSA and CSS Profile processes, and the ability to provide clear guidance to families from diverse backgrounds. Maintains strong organizational skills and attention to detail while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Financial Aid AdvisingFAFSA and CSS Profile ExpertiseKnowledge of Financial Aid PoliciesRelationship-Building SkillsOrganizational and Time-Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial Aid ProcessesFAFSACSS ProfileFinancial Aid Award AnalysisScholarship StrategiesMicrosoft OfficeGoogle WorkspaceData DocumentationVirtual Workshop FacilitationFinancial Analysis

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsCollaboration SkillsAttention to DetailJudgment-Free GuidancePublic Speaking

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Higher Education FundingNeed-Based AidMerit-Based AidFinancial Aid RegulationsSelective Colleges

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a primary financial aid advisor for HelloCollege families
Help families determine what they can reasonably afford to pay for college and refine students' college lists based on financial considerations
Guide families through FAFSA, CSS Profile, and institution-specific financial aid applications
Review and analyze financial aid award letters and net price calculations
Help families compare offers and identify opportunities to appeal or request additional aid
Advise families on need-based and merit-based scholarship strategies
Conduct virtual financial aid planning meetings with students and parents
Build positive, trusting, and lasting relationships with students and families
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of communications, deadlines, action items, and milestones in the HelloCollege portal
Facilitate up to four virtual workshops per month, including Paying for College and FAFSA/CSS Profile workshops
Maintain current knowledge of FAFSA and CSS Profile changes, financial aid policies, regulations, scholarship opportunities, and higher education funding trends
Contribute to initiatives generating referrals, testimonials, consultations, and online reviews
Participate in team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, shadowing, and mentoring opportunities
Contribute to a positive, collaborative company culture and support HelloCollege's continued growth
Participate in additional projects as needed, including research, content development, and blog contributions
Report to the Director of Counseling

Requirements

What you’ll need

Part-time availability with regular weekend availability required throughout the year
Evening availability required
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum 3 years of experience
Professional experience in financial aid and/or finance required
Demonstrated experience with the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and institutional financial aid processes required
Experience advising families on financial aid at selective and highly selective colleges and universities required
Strong knowledge of federal and institutional financial aid policies, need-based and merit-based aid, and scholarship opportunities
Ability to work with families across a wide range of financial circumstances while providing clear, objective, and judgment-free guidance
Ability to connect effectively with students and parents from diverse academic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly and accessibly
Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple families, priorities, deadlines, and competing demands
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Ability to quickly learn and effectively use new technology, software, and systems
Ability to work with families across multiple time zones and adjust availability as needed
Ability to handle sensitive financial information with discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism
Public speaking, presentations, or virtual event facilitation experience is a plus
Experience working with students with learning differences is a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote / work from home
Flexible hours may vary
Opportunity to participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, shadowing, and mentoring
Opportunity to contribute to research, content development, and blog projects