Financial Aid Counselor

Excelsior University; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Excelsior University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to assist students in navigating financial aid processes. This full-time hybrid role involves evaluating applications, advising students on funding options, and ensuring compliance with financial aid regulations. Ideal candidates possess strong communication skills and a foundational understanding of financial aid laws.

Benefits

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Excellent health insurance

Qualifications

• Previous experience in financial aid administration preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations is essential.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized counseling to students on financial aid options and eligibility.
• Evaluate and process financial aid applications for compliance.
• Conduct workshops to educate students about financial aid processes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Education

Associate degree in finance, business, or education

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Job description

As a Financial Aid Counselor, you will play a crucial role in assisting students in navigating the financial aid process, ensuring access to education through effective financial planning. Your responsibilities will include evaluating financial aid applications, counseling students on available aid programs, and providing information about funding options. This position requires a keen understanding of financial aid regulations, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to promoting accessibility to education. This is a full-time hybrid role with a minimum of two required days at Excelsior's home office of 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY, with the remainder of the days worked from home.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Advising:

Provide individualized counseling to students regarding financial aid options, eligibility criteria, and applicationprocedures over the phone, email, text, and in virtual meetings.

Assist students in understanding different types of financial aid programs and amounts of funding available, includinggrants, scholarships, loans, etc.

Application Processing:

Evaluate and process financial aid applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutionalguidelines.

Collaborate with other departments to obtain necessary documentation and information for financial aid assessments.

Award Packaging:

Review financial aid packages based on students' eligibility and financial need.

Communicate award information clearly to students, addressing any inquiries and providing additional guidance asneeded.

Financial Aid Workshops:

Conduct workshops and informational sessions to educate students and parents about the financial aid process,application deadlines, and available resources.

Regulatory Compliance:

Stay current on federal and state financial aid regulations, ensuring adherence to compliance requirements in all aspectsof financial aid administration.

Attend trainings and conferences to enhance professional development.

Data Management:

Maintain accurate and confidential student records related to financial aid applications, awards, and communication.

Student Service:

Provide excellent student service by promptly responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and guiding students through the financial aid process.

Collaboration:

Collaborate with other departments, such as admissions and academic advising, to ensure a coordinated approach insupporting students' financial needs.

Other duties as assigned to support the unit or the institution.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate degree in a relevant field (e.g., finance, business, education).
• Previous experience in financial aid administration or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and explain complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Experience in PowerFAIDS preferred.

The hiring salary range for this position is $38,000.00 - $42,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.

Application Information

If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238.

Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

AA/EOE/ADA

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.