Financial Aid Counselor

RM Advisory Services, LLC; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Shenandoah University's Office of Financial Aid seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to join the Winchester campus. This full-time benefited role reports to the Assistant VP of Student Financial Services and delivers comprehensive counseling to students and families via phone, email, virtual appointments, and in-person interactions.

You will review and process ISIRs, determine aid eligibility, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, collaborating with Admissions,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of Title IV regulations and financial aid processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations with accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain detailed financial information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Commitment to equitable service for a diverse student population.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and families on financial aid processes, eligibility, and funding options.
• Review and process ISIRs and verification documents to determine aid eligibility.
• Package financial aid in accordance with regulations and institutional policies.
• Administer Federal and state aid programs (e.g., Pell Grants, VTAG).
• Calculate Return to Title IV (R2T4) and adjustments for changes in enrollment.
• Communicate impact of enrollment changes on awards and billing.
• Maintain records and utilize systems (Ellucian, Excel, Word, Google Workspace).
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and Hornet Central.
• Travel for training or conferences as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Equity & diversity service

Multitasking

Professionalism

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Shenandoah University’s Office of Financial Aid is accepting applications for a Financial Aid Counselor. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

The Financial Aid Counselor reports to the Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services and provides comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and families via phone, email, virtual appointments, and in-person interactions. This role is responsible for reviewing and processing financial aid applications, determining eligibility, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

The Counselor works collaboratively with Admissions, Student Accounts, and the Hornet Central to support prospective and current students, delivering accurate guidance and a high level of customer service throughout the financial aid process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Counsel students and families on financial aid processes, eligibility, and funding options, including federal, state, institutional, and private resources
• Review and process ISIRs, verification documentation, and other required materials to determine aid eligibility
• Perform need analysis and package financial aid in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policies
• Administer federal and state aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants and the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)
• Calculate Return to Title IV (R2T4) and institutional fund adjustments for students who withdraw or change enrollment status
• Communicate the impact of enrollment changes on financial aid awards and student billing in coordination with Student Accounts
• Monitor and review submitted documentation to ensure completeness and compliance; follow up with students as needed
• Interpret and apply federal regulations, tax law guidance, state program rules, and institutional policies
• Participate in professional development and remain current on regulatory updates (e.g., NASFAA, federal guidance)
• Contribute to outreach efforts, including on- and off-campus events
• Maintain accurate records and utilize financial aid systems (e.g., Ellucian) and reporting tools (Excel, Word, Google Workspace)
• Assist in developing and maintaining policies and procedures
• Collaborate with campus partners, including Advancement, on administration of institutional and endowed funds
• Participate in team discussions regarding special circumstances and professional judgment decisions
• Occasional travel for training or conferences may be required
• Maintain regular, reliable on-site attendance

Required Skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required; experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field preferred.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compassionately
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of Title IV regulations and financial aid processes preferred
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain detailed financial information clearly and compassionately to individuals and to groups
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to providing equitable service to a diverse student population
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, particularly during peak seasons
• Demonstrated professionalism and discretion

Required Experience

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required; experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field preferred.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compassionately
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of Title IV regulations and financial aid processes preferred
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain detailed financial information clearly and compassionately to individuals and to groups
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to providing equitable service to a diverse student population
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, particularly during peak seasons
• Demonstrated professionalism and discretion

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.