Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Position Number

999985

Functional Title

Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Position Type

Staff

Position Eclass

EZ - EHRA Non - Exempt Permanent

University Information

Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The mission of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UNCG is to assist students in reaching their academic goals by serving as a primary advocate for students and families as we assist in removing barriers to receiving financial assistance. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships works to meet these goals by embracing technology, reviewing and improving procedures, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Position Summary

The Senior Financial Aid Counselor serves as a resource for resolving complex financial aid issues and provides advanced support to students, families, and frontline staff. This position works closely with leadership to research challenging cases, interpret regulations, and determine appropriate resolutions. The Senior Counselor administers the Emergency Loan Program, assists with Return to Title IV (R2T4) reviews, and helps ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations. The position works closely with the Senior Assistant Director for Counseling Services to support the onboarding, training, and mentorship of new and current front-line counselors. This is a student-facing role that requires strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and customer service skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) to three (3) years of Higher Education experience.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor others.
• Ability to work with employees to gain understanding of work standards, processes, and procedures.

Recruitment Range

$47,379 - $54,128

Org #-Department

Financial Aid - 10208

Job Open Date

07/13/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

FTE

1.000

Type of Appointment

Permanent

Number of Months per Year

12

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Percentage Of Time

25

Key Responsibility

Elevated Counseling and Resolution Services

Essential Tasks

• Serve as a resource for resolving complex financial aid cases escalated by frontline counselors.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to counselors on advanced financial aid situations and regulatory interpretation.
• Communicate with students and families across multiple platforms (email, phone, chat, in-person, and virtual).
• Participate in outreach activities, including occasional evening and weekend events, to support financial aid awareness, FAFSA completion, student success, and community engagement.

Percentage Of Time

25

Key Responsibility

Assist with Return to Title IV (R2T4) Reviews

Essential Tasks

• Serve as secondary processor to the Assistant Director of Satisfactory Academic Progress to review and complete R2T4 reviews.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of R2T4 files in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Communicate with students whose aid is adjusted due to non-attendance or withdrawal.
• Coordinate with faculty and the University Registrar’s Office to verify attendance and academic participation.

Percentage Of Time

20

Key Responsibility

Aid Administration and Problem Resolution

Essential Tasks

• Review and adjust financial aid records in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including processing documentation, completing record corrections, and working with Assistant Directors and other staff on records requiring additional review.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial aid processes and service delivery, through the evaluation, testing, implementation, and refinement of policies and procedures.
• Serve as a resource for counselors regarding unusual or complex aid situations, providing guidance on regulatory interpretation and institutional policy application.
• Partner with offices such as Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, and Information Technology to address aid-related issues that require coordination across departments.
• Maintain expertise in federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs to ensure accurate and compliant processing of aid adjustments and student records.

Percentage Of Time

15

Key Responsibility

Operational Support and Staff Development

Essential Tasks

• Support the Senior Assistant Director of Counseling Services by assisting with daily workflow coordination, service continuity, and resolution of operational issues affecting frontline counseling services.
• Assist with the onboarding, training, mentorship, and ongoing development of new counselors and student employees.
• Serve as a backup resource for frontline counseling services by assisting students and families through in-person, phone, email, and virtual interactions during periods of high demand, staff absences, or operational needs.
• Deliver internal training and contribute to staff development initiatives that promote consistent application of financial aid policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with campus partners, including Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, and Student Accounts, to support effective service delivery and student success.

Percentage Of Time

10%

Key Responsibility

Emergency Loan Program Management

Essential Tasks

• Administer the Emergency Loan Program, including reviewing program policies, determining student eligibility, processing awards, and reconciling program accounts.
• Review applications, collect and evaluate supporting documentation, and communicate program decisions and requirements to students in a timely manner.
• Maintain program procedures and provide training and guidance to staff on Emergency Loan policies, processes, and updates.

Percentage Of Time

5%

Key Responsibility

Other Duties as Assigned

Essential Tasks

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.