Financial Aid Counselor

As a Financial Aid Counselor, you will play a crucial role in assisting students in navigating the financial aid process and ensuring access
to education through effective financial planning. Your responsibilities will include evaluating financial aid applications, counseling
students on available aid programs, and providing information about funding options. This position requires a keen understanding of
financial aid regulations, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to promoting accessibility to education.

We believe
work should fit your life, not the other way around. Our hybrid schedule includes two days on site in our Albany office, with the
flexibility to work remotely the remaining days. Spend less time commuting and more time focusing on meaningful work or personal priorities.
Core hours are 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, including a 1-hour lunch, for a 37.5-hour week.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Advising:

• Provide individualized counseling to students regarding financial aid options,
  eligibility criteria, and application procedures over the phone, email, text, and in virtual meetings.
• Assist students in
  understanding different types of financial aid programs and amounts of funding available, including grants, scholarships, loans, etc.

Application Processing:

• Evaluate and process financial aid applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance
  with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Collaborate with other departments to obtain necessary documentation and
  information for financial aid assessments.

Award Packaging:

• Review financial aid packages based on
  students’ eligibility and financial need.
• Communicate award information clearly to students, addressing any inquiries and
  providing additional guidance as needed.

Financial Aid Workshops:

• Conduct workshops and informational
  sessions to educate students and parents about the financial aid process, application deadlines, and available resources.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay current on federal and state financial aid regulations, ensuring adherence to
  compliance requirements in all aspects
  of financial aid administration.
• Attend trainings and conferences to enhance professional
  development.

Data Management:

• Maintain accurate and confidential student records related to financial
  aid applications, awards, and communication

Student Service:

• Provide excellent student service by
  promptly responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and guiding students through the financial aid process

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other departments, such as admissions and academic advising, to ensure a
  coordinated approach in supporting students’ financial needs.
• Other duties as assigned to support the unit or the
  institution.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate degree in a relevant field
  (e.g., finance, business, education).
• Previous experience in financial aid administration or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability
  to interpret and explain complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and
  time management skills.
• Experience in PowerFAIDS preferred.

The hiring salary range for this position is
$40,875.00-42,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University’s good faith estimate at the time of posting.