Financial Aid Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for awarding financial aid in adherence with institutional, state, and federal guidelines. Financial aid counseling, outreach, and application review are all significant functions of this position. This person reports to the Assistant Director or the Director of Financial Aid in the assistant director’s absence. Member of the Enrollment Management team involved in enrollment of new incoming students and retention of continuing students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage a roster of files comprised of undergraduate, adult degree completion, and graduate students. Must be accountable to goals (e.g. files awarded) as set by management.
• Maintain scheduled contact via telephone and email with prospective and current students and families. Conduct individual on-campus, telephone, and Skype appointments.
• Complete work in adherence with institutional, state, and federal guidelines and communicate such policies effectively to students/families and University staff/faculty/administration.
• Counsel students/families through financial aid process.
• Assist management and operations with federal Title IV and institutional aid policy compliance.
• Gather and coordinate information from various campus departments to complete the Financial Aid process.
• Assist in special projects as assigned by the management team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong math, analytical, and data interpretation skills
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work with a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment with many interruptions.
• Ability to handle information in a confidential and professional manner.
• Ability to professionally represent Vanguard University in a variety of situations.
• Knowledge and acceptance of principles and philosophies of Vanguard University, its programs, and requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in financial aid/higher education.
• Customer relations or service administration experience.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague and other Financial Aid programs such as: COD, NSLDS, WebGrants, and CPS.
• Demonstrated competence in speaking Spanish.

SALARY

Full-time position.

$20.00 to $25.00 (Hourly)

Placement within the salary range is commensurate upon education and experience. Posted salary range reflects anticipated hiring scale for the position. Vanguard University also offers a very competitive and generous benefits package.