POSITION TITLE:
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 serves as a primary point of contact for students and families seeking financial aid support through Bear Central. The Financial Aid Counselor – Student Services provides direct counseling on eligibility, application processes, and award management for federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The Counselor ensures the accurate interpretation and application of financial aid regulations while maintaining a student-centered, service-oriented approach that promotes access, retention, and overall student success. In addition to front-line service, the position is responsible for processing assigned aid functions such as Study Abroad, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals, and student aid eligibility for students who enroll mid-term or transfer from other institutions. As part of the Office of Financial Aid’s outreach team, the Counselor participates in on- and off-campus events, presentations, and community activities designed to increase financial aid awareness and support recruitment and retention goals
Job Duties:
Services – 40%
The Counselor provides individualized assistance to students and families in Bear Central regarding financial aid eligibility, applications, verification, and award adjustments. This includes interpreting regulations and policies, resolving account issues, and ensuring timely and accurate delivery of funds. The Counselor communicates information in person, virtually, by phone, and through email, maintaining a professional, empathetic, and solutions-focused approach.
Program Administration – 35%
The Counselor is responsible for assigned financial aid processing functions that contribute to the overall compliance and efficiency of the Office of Financial Aid. Typical assignments may include administering and counseling students on Study Abroad aid eligibility, adjusting awards as needed based on program costs or enrollment changes, evaluating Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals, and verifying and adjusting federal loans based on NSLDS history and prior borrowing activity. The Counselor ensures that all actions are accurately documented and processed in accordance with institutional, state, and federal regulations. Assignments may vary over time based on office needs, staff expertise, or programmatic priorities, and may include cross-training in additional aid processes.
Outreach and Community Engagement – 20%
As part of the financial aid outreach team, the Counselor participates in presentations, workshops, and events that promote financial literacy and access to aid. The position represents the Office of Financial Aid at recruitment, orientation, and community programs, tailoring messaging to meet the needs of diverse audiences and strengthen the university’s engagement with prospective and current students.
Policy and Procedure Support – 5%
The Counselor assists with the review and documentation of office procedures and policies. This includes providing input on workflow efficiency, communication consistency, and customer service enhancements, as well as supporting departmental training efforts and contributing to compliance readiness.
Minimum Qualifications:
- BA Required
- The ideal candidate will bring at least one year of professional experience in financial aid administration or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience providing student services in a high-volume setting, conducting aid processing tasks such as SAP appeals, Study Abroad adjustments, or loan eligibility reviews, and delivering direct student support is preferred.
- NASFAA credentials preferred but not required
Abilities:
- This position requires a strong understanding of financial aid principles and regulations
- The ability to apply policies accurately
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- The Counselor must demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and discretion when handling confidential information and must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and student-centered environment.
- Bilingual communication skills (Spanish/English preferred) are highly valued to effectively serve UNC’s diverse student population and promote equitable access to financial aid resources.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and student information systems such as Banner or comparable platforms is required.
Special Considerations:
- This position operates within the Office of Financial Aid as part of the Bear Central service team, requiring collaboration, accuracy, and a strong commitment to compliance and equitable service. The Counselor serves a high volume of students and families, balancing complex regulatory requirements with personalized support. Success in this role depends on the Counselor’s ability to communicate clearly, build trust with students and campus partners, and maintain composure in a fast-paced, service-driven environment. The position contributes directly to UNC’s mission of access, affordability, and student success by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students seeking financial aid assistance.
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.
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