Financial Aid Counselor

McMurry University; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

McMurry University seeks a Financial Aid Counselor in Abilene, Texas, to support student recruitment and retention through effective financial aid counseling. The role involves advising students and parents on financial aid packages and eligibility, while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.

Candidates are required to have a high school diploma and experience in student financial aid, along with excellent communication and customer service skills. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, and familiarity with financial aid software is a plus.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in student financial aid or related fields.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Fluency in English and preferred Spanish communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students on financial aid packages and eligibility.
• Advise on budgeting and debt management.
• Maintain knowledge of financial aid regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Time management

Tact and diplomacy

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Some college hours

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Financial Aid software (PowerFAIDs, Jenzabar)

Job description

The Division of Student Financial Services seeks a Financial Aid Counselor who is able to work within an established framework for financial services in support of student recruitment, enrollment, retention and graduation goals.

Job Duties

• Counsel student applicants and parents on matters concerning financial aid packages. Evaluate student problems and requests regarding financial aid awards, and take appropriate action.
• Advise students regarding financial eligibility, aid programs, planning, budgeting, and debt management.
• Maintain currency in financial aid packaging, state and federal regulations related to financial aid and University policies and procedures.
• Maintain communication with students through University channels of email, text messaging, social media, and on-campus advertising.
• Counsel students in necessary documentation to complete verification and awards.
• Create and update financial aid forms and multi-media that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and ability to engage diverse student populations.
• Assist in improving initial award packages and information relevant for students and parents.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

High school diploma and college hours towards a degree. A combination of two years of experience in student financial aid, student services, student personnel, customer service, or related experience. Must have superior communication, customer service, and time management skills as well as a professional demeanor. Candidate must be willing to work evenings and/or weekends during peak, high-volume periods. Candidate must be able to organize, prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, stay on task and manage the work load with efficiency and quality within a highly computerized environment. Must have the ability to use tact, discretion and diplomacy in advising and responding to questions and concerns from students and their families.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree. Proficiency with software including MS Word and Excel. Knowledge of state and federal aid programs. Experience in a higher education Financial Aid environment and familiar with Financial Aid software such as PowerFAIDs and Jenzabar. Prior experience making presentations to groups of various sizes. Fluency in English & Spanish, both written and verbal communications is preferred.

Minimum Required Education

Some college hours.

EEO Statement

McMurray University is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, in employment or the provision of services, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.