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The Financial Aid Counselor serves as a primary point of contact for undergraduate students and families seeking assistance with financial aid. This role involves personalized counseling, processing financial aid applications, and managing key aid programs. The counselor ensures that students receive timely, clear, and accurate information to support their financial planning and enrollment decisions.
This position directly contributes to the university’s enrollment, retention, and access goals by ensuring that students and families receive clear, accurate, and equitable financial aid guidance throughout the enrollment cycle. By managing aid programs and supporting institutional compliance, the counselor plays a key role in sustaining student success and institutional integrity.
Education Required
Education Preferred
Coursework in accounting, statistics, or related fields preferred
Experience Required
none
Experience Preferred
• Experience working in financial aid, higher education, or customer service environments preferred
• Experience using financial aid management software (e.g., PowerFAIDS, Ellucian Banner, or similar) and Microsoft Office
• Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations preferred
Skills, Characteristics Required for Position
Student & Family Counseling
o Strong interpersonal skills for counseling students and families
o Effective communication skills, both written and oral
o Capable of assisting students with budgeting and financial planning
o Ability to explain complex financial aid concepts in understandable terms
o Demonstrated ability to counsel and support students from diverse backgrounds, fostering equity and inclusion in financial aid advising
Communication & Customer Service
o Excellent verbal and written communication skills
o Ability to deliver presentations to internal and external audiences
o Commitment to providing responsive quality customer service to students, parents, and families
Organizational & Project Management
o Strong attention to detail and accuracy
o Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines during high-volume periods
o Ability to contribute positively to team dynamics and cross-departmental collaboration, particularly with Admissions, Student Financial Services, and the Registrar’s Office
Technology & Data Management
o Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Outlook, and Word)
o Experience with financial aid software and student information systems
o Ability to monitor records, perform data analysis, and identify discrepancies requiring resolution or follow-up
Special Working Conditions
This position will have periods of high demand that require working hours outside of the normal business hours
Driving Requirements
none
Essential Employee N/A
Primary Duties
o Counsel students and parents on federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.
o Provide assistance via Financial Aid phone tree, email, in-person meetings, and public presentations, including occasional off-campus events.
o Support Admissions Office visits and participate in recruitment events as needed.
Aid Processing & Professional Judgment
o Process Change of Circumstances forms and review other professional judgment cases
o Coordinate and complete federal verification for undergraduate students
o Assist with the financial aid packaging process for undergraduate students
o Process Return of Title IV Funds calculations in accordance with federal regulations
Program Management
o Manage two to three assigned financial aid processes or programs, such as PHEAA state grants, Satisfactory Academic Progress reviews, or internal endowed scholarship awarding
o Maintain consistent and reliable attendance and uphold office standards for responsiveness and professionalism
Secondary Duties
o Serve as a cross-trained backup for additional financial aid processes or programs as needed.
o Other duties as assigned to support the goals and operations of both the Financial Aid and Student Financial Services offices.
Supervises: # of Administrative
Supervises: # of Administrative 0
Supervises: # of Staff
Supervises: # of Staff 0
Supervises: # of Student
Supervises: # of Student 0
Posting Date
Posting Date 05/16/2025
Open Until Filled Yes
Application Deadline
Diversity
Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
1. Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
2. Resume
Optional Documents
Human Resources: One University Avenue Suite 3015 Mechanicsburg PA 17055; 717-796-5300
Student Employment: One University Avenue Suite 3015 Mechanicsburg PA 17055; 717-796-1800 x.2900
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