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 of Counseling 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.

Essential Functions

• Manage a roster of files comprised of Traditional Undergraduate, Professional Studies, and Graduate Studies 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 occasional 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 in overall 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 required. Experience in financial aid/higher education preferred.
• Excellent experience in customer relations and service administration required.
• Ability to professionally represent Vanguard University in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience with enterprise system such as Ellucian Colleague preferred.
• 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.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a variety of different groups including students, government agencies, vendors, and offices within the University.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience with Ellucian Colleague and other Financial Aid programs such as: COD, NSLDS, WebGrants, EdConnect, IFAP, FAA access to CPS online, and ELM preferred.
• Excellent math, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
• Knowledge and acceptance of principles and philosophies of Vanguard University, its programs, and requirements.

Salary

Full-time position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and includes a generous benefits package.