Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid CounselorTaylor's mission is to develop servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ's redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. As a community, Taylor faculty, staff, and students commit to living out Christ's love and truth in the here and now. We worship together, serve one another, and grow in faith as we learn in the classroom, on the field, at chapel, and anywhere else we're doing Life Together. The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for guiding prospective and current students, as well as their families, through the financial aid process—from initial planning to loan repayment. Key duties include assisting with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), packaging financial aid in compliance with university, federal, and state regulations, and evaluating eligibility for grants and scholarships. This role involves providing information on funding options, managing telephone and in-person inquiries, processing scholarships from external sources, and advising students on how financial aid applies to their billing statements. The Financial Aid Counselor ensures all activities adhere to university policies and regulatory standards while upholding the institution's foundational beliefs and effectively serving students and their families.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThis position is primarily responsible to:Testifying to a personal experience of salvation in Jesus Christ, affirming belief in the University's Statement of Faith, abiding by and practicing the Life Together Covenant, and personally agreeing with and supporting the Foundational Documents of Taylor University.Counseling both prospective and current students, as well as their parents, on the financial aid process—from planning and applying through graduation and loan repayment.Assisting students and parents in completing and troubleshooting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).Packaging financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students in accordance with university policy and federal/state regulations, including: Evaluating a student's need and merit for grant and scholarship assistance.Processing documents that confirm a student's financial aid eligibility to ensure accuracy and compliance.Conducting professional judgment decisions for special or unusual circumstances.Discussing additional funding options (loans and student employment) with students and parents to help them develop a financial plan for attending Taylor, as well as processing the appropriate paperwork.Assisting with phone calls and in-person inquiries by providing detailed information on available aid programs, application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria.Meeting with prospective students and families during campus visits.Processing scholarships from private foundations, other colleges, and external organizations, and recalculating financial aid offers accordingly.Advising students and parents on how their financial aid applies to their billing statements and guiding them through any remaining steps in the process.Performing all work activities in a manner that upholds the university's foundational beliefs, ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, and serves students, parents, and colleagues with professionalism and integrity.Other duties as assignedTypical QualificationsEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.3-5 years of relevant work experience in customer service, sales, or financial services with experience in cross-cultural or global employment preferred. Skills & Competencies: Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to relate to a wide variety of people.Basic accounting and finance skills.Strong computer skills.Strong understanding of global competencies and customer service.Bilingual/Spanish-speaking, preferred.Supplemental InformationPhysical Demands Occasional travel for training and conferences will be required.No or limited physical effort is required, though will be required to view electronic screens for extended periods of time.Work Environment Work is normally performed in a typical interior / exterior environment.Environmental Conditions No or limited exposure to physical risk.