Financial Aid Counselor

Lawrence University; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence University Department of Theatre Arts is seeking an in-person Financial Aid Counselor in Appleton, WI. The role focuses on providing exceptional customer service while guiding students and families through the financial aid process, including application review and aid processing.

The ideal candidate has prior experience in financial aid or higher education, possesses strong customer service commitment, and demonstrates effective communication skills. Collaboration with other offices within the university is essential to support students.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in financial aid or higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Advise students on financial aid aspects.
• Review financial aid applications.
• Package financial aid according to policies.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and state programs.

Skills

Customer service commitment

Effective communication skills

Digital literacy

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Confidentiality and ethics

Collaboration skills

Job description

Location

Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, 711 East Boldt Way, 54911

Primary Objective

The Lawrence University Financial Aid Office is a dedicated, student-centered team committed to delivering exceptional service while thoughtfully stewarding institutional, federal, and private financial aid resources. We strive to ensure that financial aid is administered equitably, transparently, and in alignment with the university’s mission and commitments to access and affordability. We are seeking an in-person Financial Aid Counselor to support this work. This role partners closely with students and families to navigate all aspects of the financial aid process—including application review, aid processing, and day-to-day office operations, while contributing to a responsive and service‑oriented team environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Serve as a designated point of contact for student needs regarding financial aid.
• Advise students and their families on all aspects of financial aid, including eligibility, application procedures, costs, processes, resources, etc.
• Review financial aid applications to determine financial need based on federal and institutional methodologies. Evaluation of financial aid eligibility includes verification of application requirements, reviewing and processing special circumstance requests, and documentation.
• Package financial aid in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policy.
• Perform data import to the Student Information System (Banner).
• Perform key processing functions that pertain to student documents and other financial aid requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, software, and regulations.
• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of department policies and procedures.
• Represent Lawrence University at financial aid conferences, trainings, workshops, and meetings as agreed upon with the director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Relationships

This position will work collaboratively with other offices, specifically Admissions, Student Accounts, and the Registrar’s Office; and other members of the Lawrence community. Additionally, opportunities to network with colleagues from other colleges and other members of the financial aid community are supported and expected.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to customer service, including ability to maintain a positive attitude and professionalism.
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated digital literacy and technical expertise.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve problems.
• Ability to organize workflow and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information with strong integrity and ethics.
• Demonstrated commitment, empathy, and sensitivity to meeting the needs of diverse populations.
• Excellent collaboration skills coupled with the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Prior financial aid, admissions, or experience in higher education is preferred.