Financial Aid Counselor

Position Summary

Doane University is looking for a detail‑oriented Financial Aid Counselor to join our Crete Campus! This student‑facing position is responsible for providing customer support to prospective and current students throughout the financial aid process.

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for determining student eligibility in accordance with institutional, state, and federal guidelines. Key responsibilities include advising and assisting students with all aspects of financial aid—including understanding eligibility requirements, clarifying policies, managing the loan process, and exploring financing options. This role also requires the use of various technologies and systems (Colleague, NSLDS, COD, CPS, ScholarNet) to determine aid eligibility and process financial aid awards.

Doane University actively works to create and sustain a welcoming learning community for all members to fulfill their potential, feel valued, and make meaningful contributions to the University. Doane University is an equal‑opportunity employer and seeks candidates who reflect the diversity of our society. Following USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Doane is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.

Compensation and Benefits

Job Type: Full Time – 12 months. Salary: Hourly rate from $18.50 to $20.50, depending on qualifications and experience. FLSA: Hourly (Non‑exempt).

Benefits: Doane offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports you professionally and personally, including paid time off, health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and free undergraduate and discounted graduate tuition. Visit our benefits page to learn more.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associate degree with two (2) years of experience at an institution of higher learning or another highly regulated field.
• Proficiency in technology and the systems used to determine student eligibility and originate a financial aid award (Colleague, NSLDS, COD, CPS, ScholarNet).
• Ability to interpret complex financial aid regulations and apply them appropriately in different situations.
• Understanding personal income tax laws as they relate to federal financial aid.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Conflict resolution skills with students and parents, helping them to understand and identify potential solutions to issues.
• Professional communication with a diverse student population.
• Organize, prioritize, and complete multiple projects with multiple deadlines.
• High level of attention to detail in every task.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and sound judgment for decision‑making.
• Familiar with financial documents.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of experience in financial aid.

Required Licenses/Certifications

None specified.

Preferred Licenses/Certifications

None specified.

Physical/Environmental/Working Conditions

Occasional travel between Lincoln and Crete Campuses.

Travel required: No.

Physical requirements: Sedentary work.

Outdoor exposure: Primarily exposed to indoor elements.

Background Check

Required: Yes.

Posting Information

Posting Number: STF168.

Open Date: 03/05/2026.

Review Start Date: 03/19/2026.

Closing: Open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Describe a time when you had to explain a complex idea or process to someone who was unfamiliar with it. How did you make it clear, and what was the result? (Open Ended Question)
• Describe a time when you had to analyze complex information or solve a challenging problem. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome? (Open Ended Question)