Financial Aid Counselor / Senior Financial Aid Counselor

About the role

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for awarding financial aid in accordance with institutional, state, and federal guidelines. This position provides financial aid counseling, outreach, and application review while independently managing a student caseload and addressing financial aid matters. The Financial Aid Counselor also serves as a knowledgeable resource to students, families, and colleagues and may assist with training, special projects, and process improvements. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid and is a member of the Enrollment Management team supporting the enrollment of incoming students and retention of continuing students.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of undergraduate, adult degree completion, and graduate student financial aid files while meeting established service, processing, and awarding goals.
• Counsel prospective and current students and their families regarding financial aid programs, eligibility, application requirements, and financing options.
• Review, process, and award financial aid in accordance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain regular communication with students and families through phone, email, virtual meetings, and in-person appointments.
• Assist students in navigating the financial aid process and resolving financial aid-related questions or concerns.
• Collaborate with Admissions, the Registrar, Student Accounts, and other campus partners to facilitate timely completion of the financial aid process and support student success.
• Maintain accurate student records and support compliance with institutional policies and federal Title IV requirements.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to Financial Aid Counselors and University partners regarding financial aid policies, processes, and procedures.
• Assist management with regulatory compliance, including federal Title IV and institutional aid requirements.
• Assist with staff training, process improvements, special projects, and departmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of one year of experience in financial aid, higher education, enrollment services, or a related student-facing role.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply institutional, state, and federal policies and regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise sound judgment in accordance with FERPA and University policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and effectively utilize financial aid and student information systems.
• Alignment with the mission, principles, and philosophies of Vanguard University and the ability to sign and align with the University's Statement of Faith.

Additional responsibilities if hired at the Senior level

• Independently review and resolve more complex or escalated financial aid matters.
• Serve as a resource to Financial Aid Counselors and University partners regarding financial aid policies, processes, and procedures.
• Assist management with regulatory compliance, including federal Title IV and institutional aid requirements.
• Assist with staff training, process improvements, special projects, and departmental initiatives.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of one year of experience in financial aid, higher education, enrollment services, or a related student-facing role.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply institutional, state, and federal policies and regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise sound judgment in accordance with FERPA and University policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and effectively utilize financial aid and student information systems.
• Alignment with the mission, principles, and philosophies of Vanguard University and the ability to sign and align with the University's Statement of Faith.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in financial aid or higher education.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague and financial aid systems such as COD, NSLDS, WebGrants, and CPS.
• Working knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience assisting with training, mentoring, or serving as a resource to colleagues, particularly for candidates being considered at the Senior level.
• Customer relations or service administration experience.
• Demonstrated competence in speaking Spanish.
• Vibrant belief in Jesus Christ with ample evidence of personal discipleship.

Pay

This is a non-exempt, full-time, benefit-eligible position. Expected Pay Range: $24.50 - $26.00 per hour. This position may be filled at either the Financial Aid Counselor or Senior Financial Aid Counselor level. The final title and compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. Placement within the salary range is commensurate upon education and experience.