Financial Aid Counselor

Concordia University Chicago; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A Christian university in Illinois is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to manage student financial aid processes, counsel students on eligibility, and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and experience in financial aid or student services. Responsibilities include evaluating student data, conducting presentations, and supporting financial applications. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential. This position offers an opportunity to work in a values-driven educational environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in financial aid or student services preferred.
• Understanding of Lutheran higher education valued.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and verify student data for financial aid.
• Counsel students on financial aid eligibility and processes.
• Conduct financial aid presentations and workshops.
• Assist with the financial aid application process.
• Certify and process applications for educational loans.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Decision-making abilities

Detail-oriented

Organizational ability

Interpersonal communication

Collaborative work

Knowledge of financial aid technologies

Excel

Word

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Banner

Access

Job description

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and verifying student data to award federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid funds. Student eligibility is determined in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, policies and procedures. A person in this position is responsible for counseling students on matters of financial aid eligibility, and for providing necessary information regarding student financial assistance programs to various constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to the Director for the operation of a comprehensive financial aid program
• Counsel students regarding their aid eligibility, academic progress, and student accounts
• Attend financial aid workshops and remain current on Federal and State regulations
• Perform file review, verification and awarding of all financial aid funds
• Assist students with the financial aid application process
• Interpret and explain financial aid packages and processes to students, faculty and staff members
• Conduct financial aid presentations
• Certify and process applications for all educational loan programs
• Assist with yearly audit functions
• Assist with gathering data for institutional and governmental reports
• Serve as a financial aid resource person to the Graduate and/or Undergraduate Admission Office
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid

Skill Sets

• Customer service oriented
• Strong decision-making abilities
• Must be detail-oriented
• High degree of organizational ability
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities on and off campus
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, the public and representatives of lending institutions
• Knowledge of Banner or similar financial aid technologies preferred
• Experience with Excel, Word and report writing software, such as Access

Minimum Experience Required: Required Bachelor's Degree, financial aid, student loan or student services experience preferred, understanding and appreciation of Lutheran higher education. In addition to the technical knowledge required for this position the counselor will need to have a thorough understanding of the role of financial aid programs within a private college environment, a commitment to the mission of a selective church-related college, exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills, and be market-sensitive and responsive to students.

Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree

Interested individuals should apply through our website at www.cuchicago.edu/employment. Please include a cover letter, resume and references.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 100 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu.