Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor

The California State University; California (MO); On-site; USD 61,826 - 63,243; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The California State University is seeking a Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor to provide essential advising and support services. The role involves managing financial aid programs and collaborating with campus partners to enhance student enrollment and success.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience. Excellent communication and analytical skills are vital for this position, which promises a dynamic work environment with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• Experience with Federal and State Grant Programs in Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate specialized financial aid programs including Study Abroad and Summer Faculty-Led Programs.
• Manage awarding and processing for specialized grants and fee waivers.
• Provide individualized counseling appointments to students participating in special programs.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Knowledge of financial aid regulations

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in Counseling or related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

Word processing software

Job description

Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor

Job no: 558222
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services

Reporting to the Associate Director of Counseling and Advising, the Special Programs Coordinator and Financial Aid Counselor works independently to provide a variety of advising, coordination, and technical support services related to financial aid programs and special student populations. The incumbent maintains expertise in federal, state, CSU, and institutional financial aid regulations and processes while delivering high-quality customer service and advising to support student enrollment, retention, and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate specialized financial aid programs including Study Abroad, Summer Faculty-Led Programs, Accelerated Programs, and other special session initiatives
• Manage awarding and processing for specialized grants, fee waivers, Pell Credential programs, and cross-enrollment students
• Serve as liaison with campus and external partners regarding program administration and student support
• Provide individualized counseling appointments to students participating in special programs
• Present financial aid information through in-person and virtual workshops and outreach events

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be able to interact with a variety of internal partners from Academic and Student Affairs to the Office of the President, communicating effectively and professionally. Strong oral and written communication skills
• Must possess excellent customer service and public relations skills
• Working knowledge of methods, procedures, practices and activities of the program area
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies, rules, and regulations regarding financial aid
• Knowledge, ability, and initiative to apply the latest concepts, trends, tools, and best practices of enrollment management processes and technologies, including demographic analysis, Web site content development, telemarketing, student search strategies, social networking initiatives, PeopleSoft, customer service based technology systems, and communications strategies
• Demonstrated experience with the Federal and State Grant Programs in a Higher Education setting – reconciliation of funds, processing issues, and experience with outside entities in relation to the administration of the programs
• Ability to interpret and explain policies to various staff members and students
• General knowledge of individual counseling techniques, and working knowledge of student services programs to which immediately assigned
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, business writing, punctuation and spelling
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports
• Working knowledge of software applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database management
• General knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management
• General knowledge of research and interview techniques
• Ability to obtain factual and interpretive information through interviews

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Five (5) years of in-house financial aid experience - from application to disbursement - FAFSA completion, awarding students, revising awards, and processing R2T4, etc.
• Two (2) years of experience working with special populations outside of the regular financial aid process
• Two (2) years of student counseling experience relaying information to students and families on their financial aid eligibility
• Two (2) years’ experience of presenting to students/families thru in person or virtually
• Experience with online document retrieval system and running queries from software

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,540/month - $5,667/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,540/month - $7,893/month
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: May 28, 2026 through June 14, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

Background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.