Financial Aid Counselor

Salary: $55,478 annually

Position Summary

The Office of Financial Aid at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science invites applications for a full-time Financial Aid Counselor position. The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for coordinating all aspects of financial aid for students including processing financial aid, file management, and counseling students on loan options, scholarship opportunities, and debt management.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation / personal leave, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus 2 floating holidays.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA.

Today, the university's 6 colleges continue Dr. Franklin's legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Exercise advanced professional discretion in developing comprehensive student support strategies, addressing unique financial circumstances through targeted, individualized counseling interventions
• Assist with audits preparation and internal compliance data compliance
• Conduct sophisticated financial aid data analytics to inform institutional decision-making and student support frameworks
• Collaborate strategically in developing comprehensive Student Financial Assistance (SFA) policy and procedural guidelines
• Design and deliver specialized financial literacy presentations tailored to distinct academic program populations, emphasizing targeted debt management strategies
• Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling through multiple engagement platforms, delivering expert guidance on application processes, eligibility requirements, disbursement protocols, and repayment mechanisms
• Develop nuanced financial transition strategies for students considering academic program interruptions, including leave of absence and withdrawal scenarios
• Execute precise financial aid application processing and documentation management
• Administer Federal Work Study award allocation and monitoring protocols
• Develop comprehensive financial aid communication materials, including strategic publications, application documents, and resource calendars
• Maintain collaborative interdepartmental communication networks
• Provide informative guidance regarding institutional student health insurance requirements
• Demonstrate unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and confidentiality
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid regulations, including Title IV requirements

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor Degree or Equivalent Experience
• (2) years of relevant experience working in a financial aid or higher education setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative
• Effective organizational skills
• Editing and proofreading skills
• Ability to make timely decisions and determine priorities
• Exceptional skills in written, telephone, and personal communications
• Ability to show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences, work/interact with a variety of internal and external constituents
• Analytical skills with the ability to collect, compile, and organize facts, figures, and to triage information to identify appropriate persons for contact and follow through
• Ability to meet continuous deadlines
• Ability to compose correspondence and create computerized reports
• Ability to handle detailed job tasks with accuracy and to coordinate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. spreadsheets, word processing, etc.
• Ability to learn how to operate software associated with the processing of financial aid (Colleague)
• Develops and presents financial literacy content for a broad range of health profession programs
• Strong customer service orientation
• Strong, positive work ethic
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Experience working in Higher Education

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets