Description

Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Officer provides counseling support, evaluates financial aid application materials and determines the degree of eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid and/or alternative financing options using independent judgment and discretion. The Financial Aid Officer has responsibility for one or more specific office programs. As a member of the Office of Financial Aid & Educational Financing, the Financial Aid Officer serves the undergraduate student population of Columbia College and the undergraduate and graduate populations of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

This position is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week in the office and 2 days per week remote.

Responsibilities

• Counsel prospective students, currently enrolled students, and parents/families about financial aid policies, programs and procedures via phone, email and in-person on-campus appointments. Provide detailed information regarding the disbursement of grant, loan and outside scholarship funding, financing options and related billing issues. Connect students/families with other university offices to provide needed information and/or services.
• Review and evaluate financial aid applications; insuring compliance with all applicable rules, regulations and policies regarding student eligibility. Perform needs analysis, formulate financial aid packages, verify data, and utilize independent judgment and discretion in the readjustment of financial aid packages during the year on the basis of changed financial circumstance.
• Assist with special projects such as internal audits, athletic recruiting, application file completion, compliance and data management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent.
• Minimum  of 0-2 years of experience.
• Must demonstrate a strong customer focus with excellent writing and oral skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information simply, both verbally and in writing, required.
• Good analytical and mathematical skill required along with excellent organization, prioritization and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to collaborate well with team members and perform work independently.
• Must be timely, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and possess patience, tact, and an ability to function effectively with a broad constituency.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, work under pressure and deadlines, and carry out multiple tasks required.
• Must demonstrate a high level of discretion while handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Occasional pre-scheduled evening and weekend work necessary.

**Resume and cover letter must be included with an application to be considered for the position.**

Finalists may be asked to participate in a writing exercise, mock file review and mock phone calls as part of the interview process.
 
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience (1-2 years) with need-based financial aid counseling of student and families and evaluation of financial aid applications in a university setting desirable.
• Experience with PowerFAIDS preferred.