Financial Aid Counselor

Position Overview

Albright College seeks a dedicated Financial Aid Counselor to join our Office of Financial Aid team. This position plays a crucial role in helping students and families navigate the financial aid process, ensuring access to higher education through comprehensive financial assistance counseling and support. This position is a key customer service representative for the Office of Financial Aid.

Key Responsibilities

Aid Processing & Compliance

• Analyzes and processes financial aid applications to determine eligibility and awards, in accordance with federal, state, donor, and institutional guidelines.
• Requests additional information as needed based on analysis and review
• Performs verification to resolve discrepancies in awards and FAFSA.
• Notifies students of any changes in their aid eligibility.
• Utilizes information systems to input data, maintain databases, conduct research, and generates reports utilizing student data.
• Selects and notifies recipients for specific programs in a timely manner.

Student & Family Counseling

• Provide individualized financial counseling to students and families on aid eligibility, loan options, and repayment.
• Deliver group presentations and support admissions events.
• Administer and counsel students on private loans, VA benefits, Yellow Ribbon, and Tuition Assistance (TA) programs.
• Resolves financial aid issues and questions received via email, texts, and phone calls.

Scholarship & Special Program Administration

• Manage state grant and special program rosters through AES, including updates to enrollment, cost of attendance, and grant returns to ensure compliance with PHEAA regulations. Submit rosters and update student records to meet deadlines and compliance requirements.
• Manage reciprocating state grants

Financial Literacy & Outreach

• Conduct one-on-one and group financial literacy sessions.
• Assist in the implementation of the university's financial wellness programming.
• Collaborate with campus partners (Academic Advising, Athletics, Student Accounts, Registrar) to enhance student support and compliance.

Leadership & Training

• Assist in training of new staff and work-study students.
• Participate in professional development, trainings, and conferences.

Other Duties

• Support campus-wide compliance efforts.
• Participate in some weekend events in support of prospective student enrollment and financial aid counseling.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Office of Financial Aid and College.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• 1+ years of experience in higher education, a customer service role, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain confidentiality.
• Intermediate to advanced experience in basic computer software skills, such as Microsoft Office products, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Ability to interact with the Department of Education systems, including but not limited to COD, NSLDS, FSA Partners and EdConnect.

Preferred

• 1+ year(s) of experience in financial aid, student services or related field.
• Understanding of Title IV regulations.
• Understanding of state grant (PHEAA/AES) aid policies
• Experience with financial aid management systems, PowerFAIDs

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition remission for employee and eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance support
• Leadership development programs
• Collaborative work environment with opportunities for advancement

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid and collaborates closely with senior leadership including the Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates should submit a comprehensive application package including:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications
• Current resume highlighting relevant experience and accomplishments
• Contact information for three professional references (including at least one supervisor)

Please address your cover letter to the Director of Financial Aid and articulate your vision for supporting student success through innovative financial aid practices.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Preferred start date is flexible to accommodate the right candidate.

To Apply: Submit materials through our online application portal. For questions about this position, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]