Financial Aid Counselor

DePaul University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated professional to support students and families in navigating educational financing. This role involves advising on aid programs, processing applications, and modifying awards based on appeals. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and analytical skills, along with a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Join a team that values diversity and is dedicated to making education accessible for all, while enjoying a range of benefits and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement plan matching contribution of 10%

Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

Generous paid time off and holidays

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required for this role.
• 2 years experience with student aid programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and parents about aid programs and financing options.
• Review and modify awards based on various appeals.
• Coordinate in-person delivery of application processing.

Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The Highlights:

Responsible for communicating with students and parents both in person, over the phone and via e-mail, apprising them of all general aid program guidelines. Participates in application processing and in the awarding of major state and federal loan and grant programs. Participates in the review, processing and award modifications of various appeals, including but not limited to special circumstances, independent, need and non-need appeals.

What You'll Do:

• Counsel students and parents in phone advising sessions or on a walk-in basis to advise them about available aid programs and educational financing options, application procedures, and eligibility criteria.


• Review, process and modify awards based on various appeals.


• Develop expertise in the student processes of DePaul University so as to provide solid and comprehensive direction to students, including but not limited to: all aspects of the admission process for traditional and non-traditional students, all aspects of federal aid awarding (need-analysis, packaging, program expertise), all aspects of private educational financing, and all policies of the university regarding educational financing.


• Coordinate the in-person delivery and intake services in the office as well as application processing and awarding of major state and federal loan and grant programs.


• Participate in open houses and financial aid help sessions.


• Participation in administration of individual student aid programs: aggregate dollars of programs involved exceed 150 million dollars.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree required.


• Familiarity with student aid programs and student processes preferred (2 years experience preferred).


• Capacity to embrace change and willingness to be flexible in work hours.


• Capacity to work independently, effectively, and under pressure during peak processing.


• Demonstrated communication skills, analytical skills and attention to detail. Capacity of spend periods of time either sitting or standing.


• Capacity to spend extensive time viewing monitors.


• May not be currently delinquent or in default on a federal loan, or owe an overpayment of federal grant funds.


• Occasional overtime and/or weekend work required, depending on volume and demand.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $42,679.00 to $50,000.00 per year.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Perks:

• Working for a stable and well-known University that values diversity and inclusion.


• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.


• Retirement plan matching contribution of 10%.


• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.


• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!


• Full-Time Benefits

For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.

Vincentian Mission:
Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.


DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.