"Financial Aid Counselor"

Financial Aid Counselor

Company: Grand Valley State University

Job Location: Allendale, MI

Category: Financial Aid

Type: Full-Time

R103998

This position will work as part of the Financial Aid and Scholarships team to provide student-focused service and guidance regarding financial aid and scholarship programs, educational funding options and the financial aid application process.

Salary & Benefits: $45,000-$48,000, commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

• Provide excellent customer service to current and prospective students and supporters. This includes having a solid and holistic understanding of all types of grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. Integral to this position is the ability to effectively communicate complex financial aid topics in an easy and simple explanation to students and supporters.
• Responsible for ensuring that the office maintains compliance with federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations. This includes having the knowledge of all rules, regulations, and laws governing the federal and state aid programs as well as an understanding of University policies and procedures governing the institutional scholarship and grant programs.
• Administer assigned programs and/or functions of the office to assure effective and efficient delivery of service and financial aid resources to students and their supporters, includes awarding, reviewing, and processing financial aid applications, and making decisions on all types of financial aid using rules, regulations, and professional judgement.
• Represent the university at various types of outreach events and provide information regarding admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and other services available on campus.
• Maintain regular direct student and family counseling duties including in-person and virtual appointments, walk-in and phone coverage.
• Assist in maintaining written office policies and work procedures for assigned programs/functions.
• Work collaboratively with other offices on campus and serve as a liaison for financial aid and serve on committees as needed.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage specific programs, projects, or functions within a team.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding, and respect for a diverse academic environment.
• Cooperative team player and committed to GVSU's vision of inclusion and equity.
• A high degree of confidentiality, discretion, judgment, collaboration, and the ability to build strong relationships.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekend hours as needed.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Two (2) years of experience of related customer service experience.
• Higher education experience.
• Experience working in financial aid.
• Knowledge and experience in using a large database system, administrative software, imaging, and workflow applications.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Rachel Stephens, stephrac@gvsu.edu or 616-331-3234. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu or 616-331-2215.

Application Deadline: Application closes January 28, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed 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.