Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator

The California State University; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Long Beach is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator to deliver counseling, eligibility determinations, and aid administration to support student access and success.

The role requires strong analytical skills, customer service excellence, and knowledge of federal/state regulations. It offers a 1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week, and a temporary one-year appointment with competitive CSU benefits.

Qualifications

• Equivalents to a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or related field.
• Two years of professional experience in student services or related programs.
• Experience evaluating financial aid applications and determining eligibility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Counseling and Outreach: provide broad student and family-facing financial aid services.
• Processing, Evaluation, Program Oversight: lead processing activities and support complex eligibility decisions.
• Keep current with federal/state regulations and share best practices in service delivery.

Skills

Counseling and Outreach

Program management

Professional judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator

Job no: 562103
Work type: Staff
Location: Long Beach
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Administrative, Temporary, Full Time

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.

The Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator performs a variety of processing and specialized financial aid functions to facilitate administration of financial aid programs and delivery of funds to students in support of access and student success. Activities include determining eligibility; awarding aid; facilitating problem solving with students and parents; and making professional judgment decisions regarding student aid eligibility. The counselor provides leadership and program oversight over an assigned area of specialty; adjudicates appeals; and provides training to other staff.

Furthermore, this position provides services that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to enhance the quality of campus life. This position uses a student-centered and equity-minded approach in all communication and service efforts, whether in-person, via phone or through written correspondence.

Key Responsibilities

• Counseling and Outreach: Promote an environment of collaboration and service excellence by providing a broad range of student and family-facing financial aid services, including counseling and outreach activities.
• Processing, Evaluation, Program Oversight: Provide leadership; program management; and serve as liaison for a programmatic area of specialization. Facilitate access and student success through a multitude of processing activities; providing decision-making support in complex situations; evaluating special circumstances; and exercising professional judgment.
• Knowledge and Continual Learning: Remain current with constantly evolving financial aid regulations (federal, state, institutional) and emerging trends and best practices in delivering service excellence. Contribute to the overall success of the Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services through ad-hoc assignments.

Time Base

1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.

Duration of Appointment

This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Classification

Student Services Professional II

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

• Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $5,083 - $5,250 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $5,083 - $7,228 per month.

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.

To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

This position is a student-focused financial aid professional who provides exceptional counseling, outreach, and support to students and families. They effectively communicate financial aid options, eligibility requirements, and application processes through individual appointments, workshops, presentations, and other outreach activities. With strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to service excellence, they guide prospective, continuing, and returning students through complex financial aid situations, including personal, family, or financial hardships, while connecting them with appropriate campus and community resources.

The ideal candidate also possesses strong analytical and program management skills, with experience evaluating financial aid applications, determining eligibility, administering aid programs, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. They exercise sound professional judgment when reviewing special circumstances, resolving complex eligibility issues, monitoring academic progress, adjusting awards, and responding to appeals or escalated student concerns. They serve as a resource to colleagues, contribute to program oversight and process improvements, analyze data to support decision-making, and collaborate with campus partners to promote student success.

Committed to continuous learning, the ideal candidate stays current on evolving financial aid regulations, industry trends, and best practices. They actively participate in training and professional development, support departmental initiatives, and contribute to the overall success of the Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services through collaboration, adaptability, and a strong dedication to student success.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence".

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field and two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas required.

Physical Summary

Sedentary work - Involves mainly sitting. Walking and standing are minimal. Lifting is limited to lightweight objects (10 pounds or less).

Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.

Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact [e-mail] .

Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.

Advertised: Sep 11 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 25 2026 Pacific Daylight Time