College Counselor Financial Aid Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a detail-oriented strategic and highly dynamic Financial Aid Specialist to support students and families through the complex financial side of the college admissions process. This role is responsible for demystifying financial aid optimizing affordability strategies and guiding families toward informed decisions about paying for college.

Pending client availability it is expected that counselors have the capacity to work with a minimum of 5 students per graduating class. This is a part-time position with excellent opportunities for growth (including full-time management roles); hours depend on client load and the scope of client work we receive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Aid Strategy & Counseling

• Guide families through the full financial aid process including FAFSA CSS Profile and institutional aid applications
• Help families understand Expected Family Contribution (EFC) / Student Aid Index (SAI) and how it impacts affordability
• Advise on need-based vs. merit-based aid strategies

Scholarship Planning

• Identify relevant scholarship opportunities aligned with student profiles
• Support students in developing competitive scholarship applications (essays resumes positioning)
• Create and manage scholarship timelines and submission strategies
• Educate families on realistic scholarship expectations and trade-offs

Education & Communication

• Translate complex financial concepts into clear actionable guidance for families
• Lead workshops or webinars on financial aid and paying for college
• Proactively communicate updates deadlines and changes in financial aid policies

Process & Collaboration

• Partner with college counselors to align financial strategy with admissions strategy
• Track deadlines and ensure timely submission of all financial aid materials
• Maintain organized documentation and communication across multiple clients

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree from a Top-50 institution required background in finance education counseling or related field preferred
• Experience in financial aid counseling college counseling or a related field
• Strong working knowledge of FAFSA CSS Profile and financial aid systems
• Experience interpreting financial aid award letters and advising on affordability
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with families
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear accessible way
• Demonstrated poise navigating high-pressure high-expectation client environments
• Proven success working with a range of student engagement levels from self-driven over-achievers to those requiring strategic re-engagement and motivational scaffolding
• Proficiency in using college counseling software spreadsheets and data management tools
• Dedicated quiet workspace with reliable internet access for virtual sessions

Compensation & Additional Details

• This is a part-time hourly non-exempt position with a rate of $90 to $110 per hour DOE
• Eligible employees can participate in certain benefits including but not limited to:
• 401k plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Technology stipend
• Medical dental and vision benefits
• Life insurance and LTD coverage
• Regular professional development courses
• Opportunities for growth learning and promotion

We are looking for people who would like to call Great Expectations home for years to come so if this position piques your interest please send us a cover letter that demonstrates your creativity personality and general writing skills please be yourself and use this opportunity to show us the real you!

** NOTE: We are extremely dedicated to employee engagement and hiring for the long-term. To that end our recruiting process includes two virtual meetings an essay editing assignment a personality assessment and reference checks. **

Required Experience:

IC