Financial Aid Counselor - Strategic Enrollment Management

Job Summary


Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, this position assists the university in retaining and graduating students needing financial assistance through a comprehensive program of financial aid and support services. Financial Aid program offerings include grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships. In accordance with state and federal regulations, a proactive approach will be used to meet and monitor students' financial eligibility.


The Financial Aid Office currently operates on a hybrid schedule: team members who are past their probationary period work three days per week in the office and telecommute two days per week. Schedule requirements could change based on needs.



Department Summary


The Financial Aid Office is responsible for the determination of eligibility for and awarding of federal, state, institutional and private grants, scholarships, and work and loan programs in excess of $150M annually to over 13,000 eligible students. The office is responsible for adhering to the regulatory requirements as outlined in federal and state regulations as well as donor and institutional policies and for assuring compliance by the University. The Office's primary function is to provide appropriate financial aid based on federal and state parameters and in keeping with CSU and Cal Poly institutional policies.



Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office or the ability to rapidly acquire that knowledge.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to take initiative, set priorities, and work independently utilizing resources and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, active listening skills, and emotional intelligence necessary to communicate with tact and diplomacy regarding sensitive and confidential financial matters.
• Ability to collect, compile, analyze, and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field. Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.
  • A master's degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.
  • Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the required knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.

Salary and Benefits


Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,996 - $66,612 Per Year

Classification Range: $60,996 - $86,736 Per Year


Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.


Cal Poly


Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly's hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .



Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment


This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.


Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.



Supplemental Information


Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.


The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.


Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.



Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.


Advertised: Aug 11 2025 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: