Institutional Grant Coordinator / Financial Aid Advisor

About the role

Within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at California State University, Bakersfield is hiring a full-time, on-site Institutional Grant Coordinator/Financial Aid Advisor. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the incumbent coordinates, manages, processes and reconciles institutional grants (including SPAA, MBA and PDOC tuition grants) and provides financial aid counseling to students, parents, faculty and staff. Applications are open to all qualified applicants; priority consideration is given to those applying by November 4, 2026.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate, manage and reconcile institutional grants (SPAA, MBA, PDOC tuition grants) and act as primary liaison to Sponsored Programs Post Award (SPAA)
• Analyze grant eligibility and award data with PeopleSoft queries, spreadsheets and reports, and create and maintain financial aid years, terms and budgets for students without FAFSA or California Dream Act applications
• Develop procedures, forms and documentation for grant processing, run data audits and recommend process improvements
• Communicate with students about grant timelines, eligibility and awards, and coordinate disbursements with Student Financial Services
• Lead front-office advising: oversee and train student workers, schedule them, coach them and handle complex FAFSA and Dream Act cases
• Guide students through verification forms, tax returns, SAP Petitions, loss-of-income and cost-of-attendance appeals, and educate students on financial literacy and loan repayment
• Review student records flagged for unusual enrollment history to determine federal aid eligibility
• Represent the office at campus and community events, serve on committees, and attend professional trainings

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree
• Equivalent experience of about 3 years in financial aid advising or grant coordination; university experience preferred
• Ability to work independently and in teams, with strong communication and attention to detail

Required skills

• PeopleSoft queries and spreadsheets
• CampusLogic and related systems
• Knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid regulations

What we offer

• Starting salary not expected to exceed $5,540 per month; CSU salary range $5,540-$7,893
• Medical plans, dental and vision coverage, CalPERS retirement participation and CSU tuition waiver
• Up to 24 vacation days per year, unlimited sick leave accrual and 15 paid holidays