Financial Aid Counselor - Athletics & Scholarships

POSITION TITLE: Financial Aid Counselor - Athletics & Scholarships

COMPENSATION RANGE: 51,000.00 - 53,045.00 USD per year

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative

DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid

TARGET HIRE DATE: 12/1/2025

BENEFITS: UNC’s Career Hub

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 11/06/2025.

Position Summary

This position

supports the Office of Financial Aid by serving as the primary administrator

and liaison for all NCAA athletic aid programs and by assisting with the

processing of private scholarships. The Financial Aid Counselor – Athletics & Scholarships ensures the accurate and compliant awarding, monitoring, and reconciliation of

athletic scholarships while providing administrative and processing support for

donor-funded and external scholarships. In addition to specialized aid

administration, the Counselor provides direct financial aid advising to

students and families, interprets complex institutional, state, and federal

regulations, and collaborates with the Athletics Compliance Office, Bursar,

Registrar, and other campus partners to maintain compliance and service excellence.

The position contributes to the office’s student-centered mission by helping

ensure that all communications and processes, particularly those involving

student-athletes and scholarship recipients, are accurate, empathetic, and

supportive of student success.

Job Duties

Athletic Aid

Administration – 55%

This position

administers all aspects of NCAA athletic scholarships in coordination with the

Athletics Department. The Counselor verifies eligibility and coordinates the

awarding, renewal, or cancellation of athletic aid in compliance with NCAA, Big

Sky Conference, and institutional policies. Each term, the Counselor reconciles

athletic aid with Athletics Compliance and Accounting Services to ensure

accuracy and prevent over-awards, maintaining all required documentation and

preparing reports for NCAA audits and internal reviews. The role collaborates

with coaches and compliance staff to confirm award adjustments and ensure

timely processing and provides training and guidance to Athletics staff

regarding financial aid procedures and compliance expectations.

Private

Scholarship Support – 20%

The Counselor

assists with the posting and reconciliation of private and donor-funded

scholarships in coordination with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid –

Scholarships. This includes communicating with Bursar to confirm fund deposits

and accurate posting, maintaining records that support donor stewardship and

timely correspondence, and identifying or reporting potential over-awards or

conflicts between private scholarships and other aid sources. The Counselor

also serves as a secondary contact for students and staff with questions

related to private scholarships.

Financial

Aid Advising – 15%

This position

advises students and families on financial aid eligibility, application

procedures, and award adjustments. The Counselor provides individualized

guidance to student-athletes regarding satisfactory academic progress, renewal

criteria, and responsible borrowing. The role exercises professional judgment

consistent with federal and institutional policies when evaluating student

circumstances, maintains thorough documentation, and ensures confidentiality in

all communications.

Collaboration,

Outreach, and Policy Development – 10%

The Counselor

collaborates with Athletics Compliance, the Registrar, Bursar, and other campus

offices to ensure consistent and compliant administration of aid. The position

contributes to process improvement and staff training initiatives across the

Office of Financial Aid, represents the office at recruitment, orientation, and

outreach events—particularly those involving Athletics—and assists in

developing and maintaining internal policies and procedures related to

scholarship and compliance processes. Responsibilities and duties are subject

to change based on the changing needs of the office.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA Required
• The ideal candidate will bring at least one year of

professional experience in financial aid administration.

• Experience should include exposure to federal, state,

or institutional aid processes and a working knowledge of regulatory

requirements and system operations.

• Prior experience supporting athletic or donor-funded

scholarship programs, student advising, or financial aid counseling is

also beneficial.

• Equivalent combinations of education and directly

related experience may be considered.

Preferred

Qualifications

• NASFAA credentials preferred but not required

Abilities

• A foundational understanding of Title IV, NCAA,

state, and institutional financial aid regulations, as well as the ability

to interpret and apply complex policies with accuracy and sound judgment.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and reconciliation

skills with close attention to detail are essential.

• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal

communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex

information to students, families, and campus partners.

• Bilingual communication skills, with Spanish/English

preferred, are highly valued to effectively serve UNC’s diverse student

population.

• Professionalism, empathy, and discretion are required

when handling confidential or sensitive situations.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and

student information systems such as Banner or comparable platforms, as

well as the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and

contribute positively within a collaborative, student-centered

environment.

Special

Considerations

• This position bridges Athletics and the Office of

Financial Aid, requiring collaboration, accuracy, and a strong commitment

to compliance and equitable service. Success depends on the Counselor’s

ability to communicate clearly, build trust with students and campus

partners, and uphold the integrity of institutional and NCAA aid programs

while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Benefits

Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC

The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and

continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized

as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to

be a Hispanic

Serving Institution and to serve more than 44% of our undergraduates who are the first in their

family to attend college. UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to

learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement

The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working

environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC

community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful

discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin,

religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic

information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on

gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose

a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for,

assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to

discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be

considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the

responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s

compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Northern Colorado is committed

to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you

require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing

or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct

your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or [email protected].

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has

been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act

In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.