The primary function of the Senior Financial Aid Counselor is to guide prospective and currently enrolled students and their families through the financial aid process.
Essential Functions
Counsel students and families on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, and various financial aid programs
Respond to student inquiries in person, by phone, and by email
Maintain current knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, state rules, and institutional policies pertaining to financial aid
Package students with appropriate financial aid awards
Manage the Work Study program
Administer the Dual Enrollment program
Monitor Fine Arts Scholarship awarding
Perform verifications
Track missing documents and communicate with students regarding file completion
Supervise Financial Aid Work Study student staff
Give presentations on type of aid, the financial aid application process, and payment options during recruiting events
Serve on committees, including the SAP Appeal Committee, as needed
Actively participate in professional development and training opportunities
Other duties as required
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, mathematics, or other related field from a regionally accredited institution
Previous experience in a financial aid office
Capability to understand, articulate, and support the benefits of a diverse campus community and value the perspective of others
Effective, empathetic, and engaging communicator with the ability to build relationships with prospective students, their families, and campus partners
Ability to prioritize, organize, and work independently, or as part of a project team, to complete multiple tasks with competing deadlines and priorities with a strong attention to detail and while exercising grace under pressure
Experience exercising independent judgment and discretion with little or no guidance, making decisions on behalf of the Financial Aid Office and the College that are appropriate, timely, and defensible while maintaining appropriate confidentiality
Comfortable creating and making presentations to audiences of 300+
Strong computing skills and efficiency utilizing computing applications on various systems and programs (e.
g.
Microsoft Office Suite, PowerFAids, PowerCampus, etc.
) as well as with admissions information management systems
Possess a positive attitude, consistently proactive in fulfilling job responsibilities
Demonstrated commitment to a student-centered quality customer service
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
1+ years experience working with federal, state, and local financial aid policies and processes
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in business, finance, accounting, mathematics, other related field from a regionally accredited institution
Prior financial aid experience at a four-year institution
2+ years proven experience of successful performance in a fast-paced financial aid office
Supervisory Responsibilities
Responsible for the supervision of work study students
Working Conditions & Physical Effort
Requires the ability to sit for long periods of time while handling frequent interruptions
Requires extended hours during peak times as well as occasional weekend work
Requires manual dexterity with normal hand and finger movements for typical office work
Requires talking, hearing, and seeing as important elements for completing assigned tasks
Requires comfort speaking in front of large groups
Requires the use of various electronic tools
Requires the ability to relate to others and to partner with colleagues without exhibiting behavioral extremes
Requires the performance of work activities including reasoning, instructing, and/or speaking with others
Requires the ability to respond appropriately to constructive feedback from management
Applications must include a cover letter, current CV, and contact information for at least three professional references.
Applicants must apply online using the College's HR portal.
Review of applications will begin immediately.
Selected candidates must successfully pass a background check.
Applicants who would enrich the diversity of the campus community are strongly encouraged to apply.
EOE M/F/D/V