Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor I

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition's quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Financial Aid Counselor I position participates on a team to execute financial aid processes, including the areas of awarding, verification, loan certification, and aid reconciliation, etc. While the candidate is supported by a customer-facing team, when necessary, the position will receive escalated questions/concerns from students and provide high levels of customer service to students, prospective students, and other key constituents. The Counselor serves as a liaison with other university offices when requested. The position reviews financial aid applications to determine financial aid award packages and troubleshoots complications as they arise with support. This position also counsels and advises students regarding financing a Saint Mary's education, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, available programs, and student loan debt management.

Salary Range: $19.00 - $22.00 / hour

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Review and analyze financial aid application data to determine accurate and compliant financial aid award packages. Modify financial aid packages based on changes in enrollment level, budget adjustments, additional aid, etc., and communicate changes in eligibility to students.
• Manage specific required processes within the office, such as the origination and disbursement of Federal Direct, MN SELF, and private student loans. Coordinate disbursement processes and expedite electronic return of funds, reallocations or corrections. Ensure that the administration of the loan programs complies with federal and state regulations.
• Transmit Direct Loan data files using EDConnect and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) systems; ensure timely and accurate data transmissions, so that federal compliance standards are met.
• Utilize knowledge of federal, state, and institutional aid programs and processes to counsel students (in person, in writing, and over the phone) about the financial aid process, award packages, billing statements, and financial planning for their educational expenses.
• Work in conjunction with Business Office, Registrar, Student Central, Academic Advising, and other student services areas to resolve students' issues.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and standards to ensure compliance.
• Actively participate in continual growth of the financial aid department: effectively managing assigned duties using a variety of technological resources; promoting a student-oriented financial aid office, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which support the purpose and initiatives of the Financial Aid Office and the University.

Qualifications

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 3 years of work experience in higher education student services, preferably in financial aid.
• Preferred minimum of one year of financial aid experience.
• May consider other acceptable equivalent combinations of training and experience.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Meticulous attention to detail and strong compliance mindset.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others; take initiative to solve problems; collect, analyze, interpret, and report data promptly; and produce accurate and detailed work.
• Preferred knowledge of, or at a minimum capacity to rapidly acquire knowledge of, regulations and legislation governing federal and state financial aid programs.
• Preferred knowledge of, or at minimum capacity to rapidly acquire knowledge of, financial aid/billing policies and processes, and financial aid application processes.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Organizational and planning skills.
• Writing and editing skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple work assignments in a complex work environment.
• Ability to adapt to work change.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite products.
• Experience of and/or capacity to quickly utilize student management systems, such as Jenzabar, JFA, EdConnect, NSLDS, and COD.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Hazards Health and Safety Concerns

• General office environments

Application Requirements

Apply online at and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary's offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.