Financial Aid Scholarships Counselor

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.

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Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Assistant Director of Scholarships, the Financial Aid Scholarships Counselor coordinates the day-to-day administrative operations for a comprehensive decentralized scholarship program portfolio of institutional, CSU and external scholarships, across ten colleges and divisions.

The Financial Aid Scholarships Counselor will counsel students and their families about scholarship funds and the overall financial aid and scholarship application process. In partnership with the Assistant Director of Scholarships and Director of Financial Aid, this position will develop policies and procedures related to scholarship application, awarding, and delivery process while ensuring compliance with scholarship program guidelines and federal financial aid regulations.

Furthermore, the incumbent provides services that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to enhance the quality of campus life. This position uses a student-centered and equity-minded approach in all communication and service efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead scholarship activities administered through the Beach Scholarships award management system.
• Provide student service and support in the form of counseling/advising directly to students, parents, and general public.
• Serve as Program Coordinator for various specialized scholarship programs, managing relationships with academic colleges, donors, university foundation, and other constituents.

DEPARTMENT: ES Financial Aid

Time Base

1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.

Duration of Appointment

This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted.

Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

CLASSIFICATION: Student Services Professional II

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

• Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $5,083 - $5,250 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $5,083 - $7,228 per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.

To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits

Summary

for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator

is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to independently prioritize, plan, and organize work in a fast‑paced environment while managing heavy workloads with accuracy and effective time management.

They possess strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, enabling them to provide high‑quality programs and services to a diverse student population.

This individual has advanced knowledge of scholarship administration, financial aid programs, policies, and regulations, including need analysis and EFC calculations, and is experienced in compiling, preparing, and reviewing reports.

Proficiency with scholarship and financial aid systems such as Blackbaud Award Management, PeopleSoft, NSLDS, COD, WebGrants, and ELM is essential, along with direct experience in a Financial Aid and/or Scholarships Office performing verification, awarding aid, or managing scholarship portfolios.

The ideal candidate is customer‑focused, strategic, and proactive, applies sound judgment and innovative problem‑solving, and fosters strong teamwork by building trust, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field and two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas required.

• Experience in the administration of financial aid and scholarships programs, advising, and/or counseling is preferred.

Application Procedures

Click “Apply Now” to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.