Financial Aid Counselor

The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is hiring a Financial Aid Counselor to join its Student Financial Services team on the Augusta Campus. The Financial Aid Counselor plays an important role in helping students and their families navigate the financial aid process and access resources to support their educational goals. This position provides financial aid counseling, evaluates student eligibility, administers financial aid programs, and helps ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong customer service, analytical, and problem-solving skills who enjoys helping others and is interested in building a career in higher education. Previous financial aid experience is welcome but not required. This is a full-time, fiscal year position located on UMA's Augusta campus. The regular schedule is Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekend hour as needed. Key Responsibilities Provide guidance to students and families regarding financial aid options, eligibility, application requirements, and available resources. Review and analyze financial aid applications, resolve discrepancies, and determine eligibility for financial assistance. Evaluate financial aid awards and make adjustments based on changes in student eligibility or enrollment. Monitor student eligibility, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, and assist with related notifications and appeals. Interpret and apply financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures to support accurate and compliance program administration. Review financial aid reports, maintain accurate student records, and resolve processing issues. Participate in financial aid outreach, recruitment activities, and presentations. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of experience in a customer-facing, administrative, financial, or student services role requiring analytical. problem-solving, and communication skills. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to interpret policies and procedures, exercise independent judgment, and manage multiple priorities. Proficiency with computer applications and ability to handle confidential information appropriately. Desired Experience in financial aid administration or higher education student services. Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations. Experience with student information systems or financial aid management software. Familiarity with UMA and/or the University of Maine System. Please view the full job description for additional details. Salary and Benefits Our comprehensive benefits package can be worthup to 50% of your annual salary and is designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Benefits include: Competitive salary: The starting salary for this position is $45,000.32. This is a fixed amount within a predefined wage band, so we're not able to negotiate a starting salary above it. Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Account (HSA) options. Employer-paid benefits, including basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage, with additional voluntary coverage options available. Retirement plan through TIAA with 10% employer contribution and opportunities for additional tax-deferred retirement savings. Generous paid time off , including vacation and sick leave, plus13 paid holidays each year. Tuition waiver program for employees, including graduate courses and Maine Law, plus substantial tuition discounts for eligible spouses and dependent children. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness programs supporting your health and well-being. Professional development and opportunities to grow your career within Maine's public university system. Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance discounts, and supplemental disability and life insurance options. About the University UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs. UMA is the third-largest public university in Maine. In addition to its main campus in the state’s capital, UMA also serves students at its campus in Bangor (UMA Bangor) and through UMA Centers around the state. With its multiple locations and long-term expertise in online and distance learning, UMA is generally considered the university of choice for Mainers of all ages who want to attend college without uprooting their lives. UMA serves a mix of traditional and non-traditional students and offers a wide array of liberal arts and professional programs leading to certificates, and associate and baccalaureate degrees. Programs are delivered on campus, online, and using a network of University centers and sites across the state and internationally. Classes can be taught through the following modalities: in-person, online, distance synchronous, hyflex, and hybrid/blended. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, you are encouraged to contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at Clery Act The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Maine