Senior Financial Aid Counselor- Student Support

About Us Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high‑impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU! Job Summary Counsels and advises students and parents on various financial aid programs. Assists with the administration of one or more federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs. Evaluates Financial Aid applications to determine student eligibility and performs data collection and record‑keeping duties. Responsibilities Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and knowledge of financial aid at federal, state, and institutional levels. Reviews students’ eligibility for federal, state, and institutional programs and ensures files are accurate and complete in a timely manner. Manages federal and state processes or programs, including awarding, application download and tracking, CFlags, private loans, consortium agreements, HOPE, Zell Miller scholarships, HERO Scholarship, Federal Work Study, Return to Title IV, private scholarships, etc. Responds to student inquiries by working the front desk, responding to tickets from the Communications Center and email inquiries, and contacting outside entities to resolve student data conflicts. Understands and researches issues related to various federal and state systems such as CPS, EDE, NSLDS, COD, and Surfer. Reviews and analyzes daily exception reports to resolve issues and complete student files. Reviews and audits completed work to ensure accuracy and compliance, recommends changes based on workflow and productivity issues. Participates in annual trainings and professional development to keep abreast of new information and program changes. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field. Two (2) years of relevant experience in financial aid. Preferred Qualifications NASFAA credentials. Advanced degree in a related field. Previous experience in a financial aid office at a higher education institution. Working and tested knowledge of Banner (Ellucian). Abilities Ability to understand, interpret, and synthesize information from students and parents to counsel effectively. Ability to diffuse difficult and emotional situations. Can handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Working knowledge of state program rules and regulations for Georgia financial aid. Working knowledge of Title IV rules and regulations. Understanding of FERPA regulations. Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication, time management, project management, and presentation skills. Proficient with computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Ellucian Banner, and USG GA Modifications to Banner. Strong attention to detail, follow‑up skills, customer service, phone and e‑mail etiquette. Equal Employment Opportunity Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community. For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, View email address on click.appcast.io. Other Information This is not a supervisory position. This position does not have any financial responsibilities. This position will not be required to drive. This role is considered a position of trust. This position does not require a purchasing card (P‑Card). This position may travel 1%–24% of the time. Background Check Standard Enhanced Education Credit Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility. All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job‑based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre‑employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials. #J-18808-Ljbffr