Outreach Advisor I

About Us

Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses—Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia—and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Outreach and Retention, the Financial Aid Outreach Advisor will be responsible for internal and external outreach to prospective students, current students, parents, and other stakeholders to bring awareness of Financial Aid programs, and services offered to students. This position will be responsible for counseling newly admitted traditional students and special populations regarding the financial aid process.

Responsibilities

Administers All Aspects of Position (60%) -
Serves as a liaison for first year students by collaborating with campus partners, such as the Admissions, Academic Advising, Student Success Center and Center for Career & Leadership Development team to extend our reach, impact and network of support for vulnerable students.
Advises students and parents regarding availability of financial aid, the eligibility requirements, and the application process via phone and or e-mail correspondence.
Assists students in the application process for financial aid by helping them to complete appropriate and required forms. Awards federal, state, institutional and private sources of financial aid to students within appropriate guidelines and regulations.
Reviews and process financial aid files and/or related processes as assigned.

Coordinates/Participates in Outreach Functions (30%) -
Coordinates and participates in financial aid workshops, orientations or other events on campus, external sites (high schools, career centers, etc.) and virtually as needed or requested.
Attend college fairs and other off-campus recruitment events. Involves extensive fall travel, periodic travel throughout the year, and occasional evening and weekend work.
Contribute to the planning and execution of activities and special events designed to enhance enrollment, including on-campus visits, visit days, and orientation events.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%) -
Performs other related duties specific to financial aid regulatory requirements and day-to day operations as assigned by supervisor and/or to provide maximum office efficiency.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's Degree

Other Required Qualifications
Ability to understand complex processes.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
Able to convey enthusiasm, energy, and poise.
Travel Required

Required Experience
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for two or more years.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual Preferred.

Preferred Experience
Experience in administering student financial aid programs at a comparable college or university preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of modern office methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of current institution, Board of Regents, state, and federal regulations pertaining to the collection, maintenance, and release of information.
• Ability to successfully establish and maintain effective working relations with other employees.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Banner financial aid module.
• Knowledge of federal and state student aid online reporting systems.
• Knowledge of need analysis principles.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations, teamwork skills, and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

Middle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middle Georgia State University is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the University community. Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG) and Middle Georgia State University. Pursuant to Board of Regents Policy Section 6.6, federal and state laws and regulations, and our vision, mission, and values, Middle Georgia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

This is a non-exempt (hourly paid) position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Background Check

Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.