Financial Aid Counselor

Posting Details

Posting Details


Benefits of Working at UNCW


At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range
$43,940 - $48,823


Recruitment Range Details


The salary range advertised is the designated recruitment range for this classification. Final salary offers will be determined by the candidate's education, relevant experience, internal equity alignment, and departmental budgetary parameters.

Vacancy Number
S02924


Position Title
Student Services Specialist


Working Title
Financial Aid Counselor


Competency Level
Journey


Home Department
Financial Aid Admin - 30140


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit


This position is assigned to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). UNCW operates at a student enrollment of about 18,000 and OSFA is expected to serve any of those students seeking financial aid assistance, any prospective students/families, as well as students who receive benefits that require coordination through the OSFA. The OSFA currently serves approximately 65% of the student body. This includes federal and financial assistance, Veterans educational benefits, all tuition waivers, all scholarships, all institutional aid and all non-institutional aid. Typical office contact is 18,000 calls and 3,500 visits.
The major functions of the department include:

• Management of funds exceeding $150 million
• Receiving and/or processing aid applications from approximately 25,000 students each year (this includes all admitted students- some do not matriculate)
• Monitoring records and procedures for compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and NCAA athletics rules
• Providing federal, state, and donor reports, and providing general financial aid advising and counseling to current and prospective students and their family
• Due to the national financial aid processing and delivery system, admission decision notification, and timing of orientation/billing, the heavier portions of the work are concentrated during March, April, June, July, and the first two weeks of each semester

College
Stdnt Engagement, Enrllmnt & Retent - 301 College


College/School Information

University Information


The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Location of Workplace
Main UNCW Campus


Brief Summary of Work for this Position


The Financial Aid Counselor administers all financial aid programs and ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional rules, regulations, and requirements. Advises, counsels, and educates students, prospective students, and their respective family members as it relates to their financial eligibility.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements


Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred education, professional skills and experience

• Knowledge of the federal, state and institutional requirements concerning financial aid.
• Financial Aid experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience with crisis management.
• Ability to communicate well.
• Experience in Banner (or other ERP system), Image Now/Perceptive Content, and with Department of Education systems.

Required Certifications or licensure

FTE
1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)


Months Per Year
12 Months


Work Days
Monday - Friday, occasional weekends


Work Hours
8:00 am - 5:00 pm, limited overtime


Type of Position
Permanent


Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited

Position Number
304


Job Posting Date
09/23/2026


Posting Close Date
10/07/2026


Number of Openings
Single Incumbent


Special Notes to Applicants

PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application, including the 'Work History' section before you apply for this position. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.

This position is being recruited at the Journey level. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

EEO Statement


UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment


Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

External Link to Posting