Veterans Financial Aid Advisor (Finance)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business (JGSB) is hiring a Veterans Financial Aid Advisor to support military-affiliated students in accessing VA educational benefits. In this role, you will work closely with the Associate Director of Student Financial Services as the Veteran School Certifying Official (SCO) for all graduate business students. This position provides guidance to current and prospective military-affiliated students, certifies enrollment, and maintains accurate and secure benefit records.

We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team. This position offers the opportunity to develop expertise in veterans' services and financial aid with access to training at both institutional and federal levels. At Rice, you'll be part of a community that values Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence while contributing to the success of our students and programs.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate has excellent customer service skills, a strong attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and manage complex financial processes accurately and efficiently. While experience working with veterans or in financial environments is helpful, it is not required. This role is a great fit for individuals who value clarity, consistency, and the development of streamlined processes. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to explain intricate information in an approachable manner are essential for success.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. One to two days of remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Annual Hiring Salary: $45,000 minimum, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1 year of professional work experience in an administrative setting (professional paid experience gained as a student worker and during internships is acceptable)
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to exercise tact and discretion when dealing with students, families, donors and staff
• Ability to work at a very detailed level, using numeric data with a high degree of speed and accuracy
• Ability to understand and explain university and federal policy to others
• Ability to use multiple financial aid systems, document management systems, window-based environment and office applications
• Demonstrated analytical and quantitative skills

Preferences:

• Experience in Financial Aid, Veteran's Affairs, Registrar, experience working with graduate or professional degree seeking students, or other related industry experience.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Essential Functions:

• Provides excellent customer service to eligible veterans, military students, and family members applying for and receiving Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business
• Serves as Veteran School Certifying Official for Jones Graduate School of Business
• Ensures all appropriate VA entitlement documentation is obtained from student
• Coordinates with applicable University departments (Registrar, Financial Aid, and Bursar's Office) to ensure timely and accurate processing of all VA benefits
• Provides one-on-one counseling for students to facilitate solutions and resolve complex issues regarding their Veteran Benefits
• Creates and presents information pertaining to Veteran Benefit application procedures to prospective and current students
• Develops and manages prospective / student-facing interfaces (websites, email communications, instructional videos, etc.) concerning Veteran Benefit information and updates
• Manage VA Debt Management issues and refunds by auditing student accounts and contacting the VA for payment issues.
• Serves as JGSB Point of Contact during Department of Veterans Affairs audits and State Approving Agency reviews
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.