Financial Aid Counselor

Role Description

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation.

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment (FASE) is a central administrative student services department within the Division of Enrollment. Our overarching purpose is opportunity and affordability – we provide/coordinate financial resources which create access and opportunity in alignment with Cornell University’s motto and founding principle - any person, any study.

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment is dedicated to helping students navigate the complex financial aid and higher-education funding landscape.

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment has a Financial Aid Counselor II position open on its Need Analysis and Packaging team. Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating aid application materials, assigning estimated cost of attendance budgets, performing accurate need analysis calculations, making aid eligibility determinations, packaging aid in compliance with all applicable rules and policies, and effectively managing an annual caseload of student files.
• Discussing personalized aid offers, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, adjustments, special or unusual circumstances, long-term financial success and student debt, Cornell payment options, and how external resources (such as outside scholarships) are incorporated into aid offers.
• Providing clear, accurate, and personalized support to help students and families navigate complex aid application processes, policies, and timelines.
• Engaging frequently with students and their families via in-person and virtual appointments, email, and other electronic communication channels.
• Providing focused and timely support as well as proactive outreach to ensure excellent student experiences.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge/skills/training, utilizing appropriate professional judgement, and supporting team-oriented goals.

This position is based in Ithaca, New York and is eligible for a remote work arrangement from anywhere in the United States; however, we would be delighted to welcome applicants interested in in-person or hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years relevant experience working in a student financial aid/scholarships role or equivalent combination.
• Experience in a customer service or similar professional setting working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and perspectives.
• Knowledge of financial aid software systems, federal aid regulations, or institutional need analysis concepts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to manage multiple assignments in a proactive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and productively, think critically and exercise sound professional judgment, work efficiently within established timelines, set personal goals, and maximize personal performance.
• Must be self-motivated, well-organized, and attentive to details.
• Experience working effectively with moderately complex systems and business processes.
• Demonstrated desire and ability to continuously expand knowledge of technology/tools supporting effective business processes.

Requirements

• Familiarity with the CSS Profile Application and Institutional Methodology (IM) need analysis.
• Experience using PeopleSoft, ImageNow, IDOC, or Workday.
• Fluency in English and a second language.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the remote work arrangement at any time.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, and two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.