About this role
Job title: Financial Aid Counselor
About the Role As a Financial Aid Counselor, you will manage student accounts and program management for institutional, federal, and state funding. This role serves the Office of Financial Aid as a first point of contact for counseling students, supports the Welcome Desk, manages specific scholarship programs, adjusts accounts for federal work-study payments, and supports the office communications plan.
What You'll Do
- Counsel students on all aspects of the financial aid process (FAFSA completion, cost of attendance, federal fund awarding, loan borrowing and management, financial hardship scenarios), in person, by phone, and via email.
- Work with the counseling team to support student appointments (in-person and virtual) and walk-in needs; assist with the cases email system and troubleshoot issues as needed.
- Advise prospective co-terminal students on aid eligibility at program entry.
- Monitor accounts for compliance, process aid appeals, and prevent over-awarding; adjust awards per federal/institutional guidelines and communicate changes to students.
- Review reports and required federal documents to maintain compliance; handle appeals including need-based awards and professional judgments for EFC adjustments.
- Assist with special populations, process outside scholarships with the Office of Student Accounting, and support Net Price Calculator inquiries.
- Represent IIT at events and present information at admissions/recruitment events and orientations; some nights and weekends required.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree required; prior customer service experience.
- Analytical skills and strong written and verbal communication.
- Ability to maintain student confidentiality and work in a team-based, fast-paced environment.
- Bi-lingual preferred; demonstrated ability to work with diverse student populations; strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and to translate financial aid requirements into operational activities; proactive problem solving.
Nice to Have
- Additional experience with financial aid processes, outreach, and advising in higher education (as implied by responsibilities).
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $40,000–$45,000 per year. Benefits eligibility includes a competitive benefits package.
- Some nights and weekends required for university events.