Financial Aid Counselor

Excelsior College; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Excelsior University seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to guide students through the financial aid process, assess applications, and explain funding options. The role emphasizes compliance with federal/state rules and excellent student service.

The position supports a hybrid schedule with two days on-site in Albany and flexible remote days, within a 37.5-hour work week. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to educate students and parents about aid

Qualifications

• Associate degree in finance, business, or education required.
• Experience in financial aid administration or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized counseling to students regarding financial aid options, eligibility criteria, and application procedures via phone, email, text, and virtual meetings.
• Assist students in understanding different types of financial aid programs and funding amounts (grants, scholarships, loans, etc.).
• Evaluate financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Collaborate with other departments to obtain documentation for financial aid assessments.
• Review financial aid packages based on eligibility and need, and communicate award information clearly.
• Conduct workshops and information sessions for students and parents about the financial aid process and deadlines.
• Stay current on federal and state regulations to ensure compliance in all financial aid activities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records related to applications and awards.
• Provide excellent student service by promptly responding to inquiries and guiding students through the process.
• Collaborate with admissions and academic advising to coordinate support for students’ financial needs.

Skills

Strong interpersonal communication

Explain complex financial information

Detail-oriented

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.

We believe work should fit your life, not the other way around. Our hybrid schedule includes two days on site in our Albany office, with the flexibility to work remotely the remaining days. Spend less time commuting and more time focusing on meaningful work or personal priorities. Core hours are 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, including a 1-hour lunch, for a 37.5-hour week

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized counseling to students regarding financial aid options, eligibility criteria, and application procedures over the phone, email, text, and in virtual meetings.
  
• Assist students in understanding different types of financial aid programs and amounts of funding available, including grants, scholarships, loans, etc.
  Application Processing:
• Evaluate financial aid applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines
  
• Collaborate with other depts to obtain necessary documentation and information for financial aid assessments.
  
• Review financial aid packages based on students eligibility and financial need
  
• Communicate award information clearly to students, addressing any inquiries and providing additional guidance as needed
  
• Conduct workshops and informational sessions to educate students a parents about the financial aid process, application deadlines, and available resources
  
• Stay current on federal and state financial aid regulations, ensuring adherence to compliance requirements in all aspects of financial aid administration
  
• Attend trainings and conferences to enhance professional development
  Maintain accurate and confidential student records related to financial aid applications, awards, and communications
  
• Provide excellent student service by promptly responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and guiding students through the financial aid process
  
• Collaborate with other departments, such as admissions and academic advising, to ensure a coordinated approach in supporting students financial needs
  
• Other duties as assigned to support the unit or institution

Qualifications:

• 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 $40,875- 42,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.

Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance.

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.