Financial Aid Program Lead and Counselor

Austin Community College; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois invites applications for a Financial Aid Advisor. This on-campus, full-time, 12-month appointment manages federal/institutional aid programs and guides students and parents through the financial aid process.

Responsibilities include program leadership, compliance, counseling, and liaison with agencies. Requires a bachelor's degree or 5 years of related experience, plus strong judgment and communications skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or five years of related experience or an equivalent combination.
• Verbal and mathematical abilities sufficient to perform the functions of the position with excellent English grammar.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to learn departmentally related software applications and adapt to new technology.
• Ability to interact professionally with parents, students, Parkland staff and government agencies.
• SURS return-to-work restrictions compliance for Parkland College employees.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and program management over an assigned area of specialty (Grant/FWS/Loan/Scholarship/Veterans/Compliance).
• Manage day-to-day activities per federal/state/institutional requirements (financial packaging, advising, Title IV eligibility).
• Ensure program reconciliation and compliance with Title IV and institutional policy.
• Apply professional judgment on a case-by-case basis per statutes.
• Liaise with federal/state agencies, financial institutions, campus offices, counselors and administrators.
• Offer financial aid counseling to students and parents on processes.
• Monitor academic progress and advise on aid status, eligibility, and appeals.
• Represent the financial aid office at orientations, classes, visits, meetings, boards, and events.
• Participate in annual training and regulatory updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Support SURS restrictions policy as applicable.

Skills

Verbal and mathematical abilities

Decision-making skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or 5 years related experience

Job description

Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois invites applications for a Financial Aid Advisor. This on-campus, full-time, 12-month appointment manages federal/institutional aid programs and guides students and parents through the financial aid process.

Responsibilities include program leadership, compliance, counseling, and liaison with agencies. Requires a bachelor's degree or 5 years of related experience, plus strong judgment and communications skills.