Financial Aid Counselor

Position Title: Financial Aid Counselor

Department: Student Financial Services

Reports To: Director of Financial Aid

Classification: Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Salary: $41,000 - $46,000

Essential Job Duties:

1.Financial Aid Processing

• Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and how they apply in the context of enrolling at St. Olaf College

• Analyze financial aid application data from the FAFSA and CSS Profile and affiliated tax documents

• Create and review financial aid offers from both admitted and current students

• Modify financial aid packages to students based on changes in family circumstances

• Communicate changes in eligibility to students and parents

2.Counsel students and families

• Serve as the primary point of contact for students and families early in the Admissions process.

• Counsel students and families in person, in writing, and over the phone about the financial aid process, award packages, billing statements, budgeting, and financial impact of changing levels of enrollment

• Be knowledgeable in services, resources, and policies available across campus to advise and collaborate with student services areas to resolve student issues and identify systemic pressure points

• Monitor customer service functions of the office to ensure that the high expectations of students, parents, and the College community are met

3.Advocacy, Committees, Collaboration, and general office participation

• Attend departmental and division meetings; serve on various committees within St. Olaf College; participate in high school financial aid nights and partake in financial aid advocacy or professional development organizations

• Support, respect, and commit to embracing diverse backgrounds, values, and points of view to build a strong and inclusive community

• Complete and meet deadlines for required training and performance management cycle

• Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule:

Term: Year-round

Shift: M-F, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Required Qualifications:

Education: Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience

Access to necessary financial aid systems is suspended for borrowers in default and thus any employee working in the Financial Aid Office must not be in default on any federal student loans

Minimum level of experience required: 1+ years of experience with project management and/or communication with external audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: 3+ years of financial aid experience, experience in a selective liberal arts setting, experience using PowerFAIDS financial aid software and knowledge of the CSS Profile

Prerequisites:

Employment in this position is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal background checks, reference checks, verification of work history, verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, a motor vehicle check, verification of a DOT certification, a credit check, employment eligibility verification, and/or a pre-employment physical. Whether a background check is deemed successfully completed will be at the sole discretion of St. Olaf College. Please note that St. Olaf College reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to conduct periodic background checks.

Disclaimer:

This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time, with or without prior notice, by St. Olaf College.