Financial Aid Counselor

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

The Financial Aid Counselor assists the Assistant Director/Financial Aid Manager of Professional Programs) with managing the day-to-day operations for financial aid related to the professional programs. The position assists in training personnel in federal and institutional financial aid practices. This position assists with ensuring that the Office of Financial Aid is in compliance, adhering to federal, state, university rules and regulations; and assists with awarding funds in a timely manner, thus aiding the institution and professional schools in meeting enrollment goals.

The ideal candidate has experience in awarding and administering Federal Student Aid, particularly the strategic leveraging of institutional aid. S/he must have a student-centered approach and will work with a team where student service is imperative for departmental success.

Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Professional Programs, Financial Aid Director, or the Office of Financial Aid Management team.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Will serve as lead/quasi-supervisor of Office of Financial Aid personnel and student employees assigned to the office.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include students, faculty, and staff. External contacts include prospective students, student advocates, representatives of government agencies, lending institutions, guarantee agencies, community organizations, legislative representatives, and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Exercises independent judgment in the management of operational details of the financial aid process.
• Provides training to other personnel within and without the professional schools.
• Reviews incoming financial aid applications and any supporting documentation needed to determine the accuracy of information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA).
• Complies with federal regulations, tax laws, and institutional policies, including, but not limited, to federal verification, federal Direct student loans, satisfactory academic progress, and cost of attendance.
• Advise and provide financial aid information to prospective, new and current students in the professional programs.
• Collaborate with internal and external departments to determine professional students' financial aid eligibility.
• Exercise great attention to detail utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt in a high pace environment.
• Work with the leadership in the professional programs to main accreditation standards as it relates to financial aid.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends. This position is an on-campus position.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Human Resources Management and Training:

Will supervise assigned staff at the discretion of the Assistant Director for Professional Programs. Will serve as team lead in the absence of the Assistant Director. Will keep abreast of Title IV regulations and institutional policies and procedures and ensure that staff is properly trained and provided direction.

Percentage of Time: 25%

Data Management:

This position is responsible for reconciling funds in the Banner system [(Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)]. Fund accounting is reconciled between federal, institutional accounts, etc. in conjunction with the COD system. Additionally, this position is responsible for reconciling other accounts as assigned.

Percentage of Time: 20%

Administrative Functions:

This position will award financial aid as assigned by the Assistant Director for Professional Programs. This may include being responsible for a specific school, ensuring that the needs of the students, faculty and staff are met in a timely manner. Reporting (analysis, responses) may be required, per the Assistant Director, Financial Aid Director, or members of the management team.

Percentage of Time: 35%

Customer Service/Outreach/Engagement:

This position will work with the Assistant Director of Professional Programs and professional school financial aid staff to ensure that optimal customer service is provided. The position will assist in developing metrics to establish benchmarks and outcomes. The position will assist the Assistant Director of Professional Programs with assessing financial aid information (web, social media, etc.) and determining and helping to enact those areas of improvement. The position will assist with outreach and engagement - including conducting financial aid presentations or attending events sponsored by the professional schools and the Office of Financial Aid.

Percentage of Time: 20%

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree and at least five years of experience in financial aid (or a related area), with increasingly degrees of difficulty and demonstrated competencies.
• Knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills as well as computer proficiency. Demonstrated understanding of the general operation of the financial aid office in an enrollment management setting.
• Ability to travel and work evenings, and other times as deemed necessary for overall operations of the Financial Aid office.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful situations and still maintain a cordial, positive, and professional demeanor.
• Collaborative and student/customer oriented.
• Proactive, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to train and supervise clerical staff and student workers.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity and diversity/multicultural issues.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $63,636-$70,000