Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Position Title:  Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Department:   Student Financial Aid

Report To:      Director of Financial Aid

Job Type:        Full-Time, Exempt

Location:         Onsite Only/ San Diego, CA

Salary:              $28 - $32 Per Hour

The New School of Architecture & Design’s team seeks a qualified Senior Financial Aid Advisor. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor is an onsite position at our Downtown San Diego campus.

The Senior Financial Aid Counselor supports the mission of the College and the Office of Student Financial Aid by ensuring the delivery of financial assistance for all students. We seek a candidate who can demonstrate knowledge of federal financial aid regulations experience, provide high-quality counseling services, and perform public speaking and outreach functions as needed; This position Performs daily operations for processing financial aid and special programs as assigned by the supervisor, awards, and makes decisions concerning student eligibility for assistance and other administrative services task and reports to the Director of Financial Aid.

Responsibilities

• Manage a dedicated caseload, providing students and their families with individualized counseling in all aspects of the financial aid process, including verification, alternative financing, and responsible debt management.
• Provide regular outreach and follow-up to students on outstanding items such as incomplete or missing loan applications, financial aid forms, and other documents required for packaging.
• Determine financial aid eligibility of students based on institutional, state, and federal regulations; prepare detailed financial aid packages and award letters and certify student loan applications.
• Perform regular file reviews to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations; adjust student aid packages and adjust funds based on changes to students' enrollment statuses.
• Review all pertinent internal and external data and reports to ensure aid is being processed timely and accurately, including, but not limited to, registration reports, ISIRs, and transfer credit evaluations.
• Exercise discretion and demonstrate strong professional judgment when making decisions in special or complex circumstances; seek assistance from the Director and, when appropriate, provide recommendations to best resolve these cases.
• Remain current on all institutional, state, and federal regulations; participate in regular training and professional development on best practices to ensure compliance.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid Planning at college-wide events, including Open Houses, Accepted Students' Days, student registration events, and orientations.
• Assist the Director with other projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with a minimum of three years’ experience in higher education.
• Two years’ experience working as a Financial Aid Counselor required.
• Knowledge of financial aid management systems and/or student information systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to cultivate and manage relationships with students and their families; also, must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, with the ability to self-manage multiple projects while working under deadlines during the year's peak times.
• Bilingual language is a plus.