Student Financial Wellness and Aid Counselor (Contractual)

Posting Summary Job Title Student Financial Wellness and Aid Counselor (Contractual) Division Division of Enrollment Management & Student Success Department Financial Aid Office Work Status Full Time Position Category Staff FLSA Exempt Pay Range Contractual Salary Range $70,000 / year Fund Source State Support Job Summary Morgan State University is seeking a passionate, student-centered professional to serve as a Student Financial Wellness and Aid Counselor . This role combines the critical functions of financial aid counseling with proactive financial wellness education to support the holistic success of our students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees and come from historically underserved communities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in both financial wellness education and financial aid administration. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing financial literacy support and individualized coaching to students while also managing financial aid processing for a small portion of the student population. Job Duties Key Responsibilities: Financial Wellness Coaching & Education (Primary Responsibility) Design, coordinate, and implement financial wellness programming, workshops, and outreach initiatives with a focus on budgeting, credit, student loan management, savings, and responsible borrowing. Provide one-on-one financial coaching to students with an emphasis on early intervention and long-term financial planning. Create culturally responsive financial education materials tailored to the unique experiences and challenges of first-generation students and students from underrepresented communities. Collaborates and maintains successful partnerships with departments, staff, faculty, student organizations, and public and private organizations to expand outreach efforts for current and prospective students. Track and assess the impact of financial wellness programs and adjust strategies to improve effectiveness. Create engaging presentations and marketing materials for Student Financial Wellness programs. Help design the Financial Wellness webpage and social media pages to educate and engage students. Stays current on best practices in financial literacy programming in higher education and makes recommendations on how to increase Morgan State University’s impact on student financial wellness. Collect and track data and compile reports related to student engagement with student financial wellness resources and programs for internal and external stakeholders. Coordinate and host an annual student financial wellness program for first-year students. Creates the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for best practices and guidance. Financial Aid Counseling & Administration (Secondary Responsibility) Serve as a financial aid counselor for a small portion of the student body (alphabet split) and guide FAFSA completion, verification, loan counseling, scholarships, SAP appeals, and general eligibility questions. Process financial aid applications and ensure accurate packaging in compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. Participate in financial aid workshops, orientations, and outreach events, including evenings and weekends as needed. Assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures that support equitable financial aid delivery and financial education. Works evenings and weekends as required. Participates in professional activities and training as required. Performs other related duties, as assigned. Requested Minimum Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in finance, education, counseling, social work, or a related field. Minimum of 2 years of experience in financial aid counseling and/or financial wellness education. Demonstrated experience working with first-generation college students and students from underrepresented communities. Strong understanding of Title IV regulations, FHA process, and financial aid systems (e.g., Banner, COD, NSLDS). Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills. Commitment to supporting student success through inclusive financial aid practices, with a focus on access, transparency, and empowering students from diverse backgrounds to make informed financial decisions. Other Preferences for Consideration These Skills Are Not Required But Are Highly Desirable. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, personal finance, or a related discipline. Certification in financial counseling or coaching (e.g., AFC®, NFEC, or equivalent). Experience using financial wellness software platforms or tools. Bilingual or multilingual abilities, especially Spanish, are a plus. Experience using financial wellness software platforms or tools. Social Media Proficiency: Experience with managing social media accounts for organizational outreach and engagement. Ability to operate various software programs, including Ellucian Banner financial aid software. Community Outreach Experience: Direct experience or a genuine interest in community outreach, particularly with low-income populations, student parents, marginalized populations, and first-generation college students. Experience with designing or maintaining websites. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment. and work independently Additional Skills Experience working with diverse student populations Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of federal student aid rules and regulations, including Title IV financial aid funding programs and federal loans Excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills; Familiar with a range of online platforms such as Microsoft Office, software, Zoom, WebEx, Canva, and Social Media sites; Knowledge of issues common among first-generation and non-traditional students as it relates to student financial wellness; Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Morgan State University