Financial Aid Counselor

MARYVILLE COLLEGE STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Financial Aid Counselor


Department: Financial Aid

Title of Immediate Supervisor : Director of Financial Aid


Funded Term / Work Cycle: 12-month/Full-Time

Expected Daily Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday - Friday


Pay Grade : 5S

Starting Salary Expectations : $39,334 - $42,776, with starting salary determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.

About Maryville College:

Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America's oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we've educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.

Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live "strong of mind and brave of heart," carrying forward our Presbyterian founder's charge to do good on the largest possible scale.

Mission

At Maryville College, we offer more than a mission-we offer support. Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being.


"Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world."

Values:

• Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.
• Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.
• Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.

Position Purpose

The Financial Aid Counselor administers institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs by advising students and families, determining eligibility, exercising professional judgment authority, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. The position supports student access and persistence by guiding students through financial aid processes and maintaining accurate and compliant award administration.

SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for awarding and administering financial aid programs, managing verification and eligibility review processes, understanding and processing of state financial aid, and providing individualized financial aid counseling to students and families. The position exercises professional judgment authority, oversees loan processing workflows, and ensures compliance with federal and institutional financial aid regulations.


Education and Experience required to ensure success in this position:

Education required:

• Bachelor's degree required

Experience required:

• 1-3 years of experience in financial aid administration, enrollment services, or student financial services preferred
• Experience applying federal Title IV regulations preferred
• Experience with verification review, eligibility determination, or aid packaging preferred
• Experience working in higher education student information systems is preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Provides individualized financial aid counseling to students and families regarding eligibility, award adjustments, and financial planning options
• Serves as a subject-matter resource to campus partners regarding financial aid eligibility requirements
• Collaborates with Admissions and Student Accounts regarding award coordination and enrollment impacts
• Supports coordination with the Financial Aid Operations Specialist on documentation readiness workflows

Data, Technology, and Compliance

• Determines student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs
• Administers Tennessee state aid awarding and reconciliation processes
• Manages verification review for assigned student populations
• Applies federal financial aid regulations and institutional policies in awarding decisions
• Ensures compliance with Department of Education program requirements

Stakeholder and Institutional Support

• Assists students and families in completing FAFSA and resolving eligibility issues
• Communicates changes to award eligibility and provides guidance on available options
• Supports student retention through proactive financial aid counseling
• Responds to complex eligibility questions requiring regulatory interpretation

Operations and Technical Oversight

• Oversees loan processing, including Parent PLUS and alternative loans
• Supports freshman packaging processes under the direction of the Director
• Administers dual enrollment financial aid processing
• Maintains default prevention program coordination activities

Fiscal Oversight

• Administers state aid awarding
• Ensures accurate awarding adjustments throughout the academic year
• Supports compliance monitoring related to institutional aid delivery

Strategic Planning and Sustainability

• Supports the continuous improvement of financial aid counseling delivery
• Assists with the implementation of regulatory updates impacting awarding processes
• Contributes to institutional compliance readiness activities

Other:

NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to interpret and apply federal Title IV financial aid regulations
• Knowledge of institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs and eligibility requirements
• Ability to exercise professional judgment authority in accordance with regulatory guidance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to eligibility determination
• Ability to explain complex financial aid information clearly to students and families
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple student cases and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Admissions, Student Accounts, and Financial Aid Operations staff
• Proficiency with student information systems and financial aid processing platforms (e.g., Banner, PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, or similar)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:

• None required
• Financial aid training through NASFAA or state financial aid associations preferred

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to navigate campus buildings as needed
• May occasionally lift or move materials up to 15 pounds
• Frequent interaction with students and families in person, by phone, and electronically
• Periodic extended hours during peak financial aid processing cycles

Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:

• Standard office equipment
• Student information systems
• Financial aid processing systems (e.g., COD, NSLDS, FAST, or equivalent)
• Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word

"The College may, at its discretion, sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (such as H-1B or permanent residency) on behalf of employees when permitted by law and aligned with institutional priorities and budget.

Sponsorship is contingent on satisfactory continued employment, compliance with applicable federal regulations, availability of institutional resources, and the College's sole determination of fiscal feasibility.

The College cannot guarantee sponsorship in any case, particularly where newly introduced federal filing fees or wage obligations create financial burdens inconsistent with institutional budget stewardship. The College always reserves the right to defer or decline sponsorship."