"Financial Aid Counselor"

Position Purpose:

The Office of Financial Aid at Aurora University is responsible for assisting students in accessing and managing financial resources to support their education. This includes administering federal, state, and institutional aid programs, processing applications, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing guidance on loans and work-study opportunities. Staff members ensure compliance with regulations, maintain accurate records, and offer financial literacy resources to help students make informed decisions. The department also plays a key role in supporting enrollment, retention, and student success by making higher education more accessible and affordable. Strong customer service, attention to detail, and knowledge of financial aid policies and regulations are essential for all roles within the department.

The Financial Aid Counselor supports learning by providing financial aid information and counseling to undergraduate and graduate students at the university, to facilitate the enrollment of students, consistent with the university’s mission, accreditation standards and regulatory guidelines.

Core Competencies:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

• Counsel students, parents, and employees on all aspects of financial aid programs and processes (federal, state, university, private). Students counseled include prospective freshman, transfer, adult, and graduate students.
• Maintain and apply knowledge of federal, state, university, and private policies and procedures regarding financial aid.
• Determine financial aid eligibility and calculate financial aid awards for students. Work with students to determine a comprehensive financial plan for attendance at AU. Use knowledge to solve problems related to financial aid.
• Assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Coordinates and completes the verification process.
• Processes required documentation for financial aid. Assists students with loan processing.
• Evaluates and processes professional judgment requests.
• Works with team to develop, maintain, and evaluate financial aid policy and processes, to ensure complete, accurate, and efficient service to students.
• Participates in financial aid workshops, seminars, and open houses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: One year experience in financial aid or similar experience highly preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents and to develop strong working relationship with colleagues, staff, administrators, students, and the general public.
• Flexibility with an evolving work situation.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet systems.
• Knowledge of Colleague desired.
• Bilingual preferred.

Physical Requirements: Ability to move about campus and spend long periods of time at a computer work station. Ability to interact via telephone, in person, and via electronic media.

Work Hours: Expected equivalent of 40 hours per week, but days/hours may vary as needed. Option to work from home one day a week will be considered if candidate can demonstrate ability to fulfill this role effectively off-site.

The anticipated pay rate for this position is $42,000-$46,000 per year. This compensation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the university, based on institutional needs.