Financial Aid Counselor - Athletics

Charleston Southern University•North Charleston, SC

44d

About The Position

The Financial Aid Counselor - Athletics is responsible for managing all aspects of financial aid for student-athletes at Charleston Southern University. This position plays a critical role in evaluating financial aid documentation, determining eligibility, and awarding scholarships in accordance with regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program, and Charleston Southern University. The counselor coordinates athletic scholarship awards and renewals, ensures compliance, and serves as a primary liaison between Student Financial Services, Athletics, and Compliance. This role provides financial counseling to student-athletes and their families, supports recruiting and retention efforts, and assists in developing and maintaining institutional policies that promote fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and student success. In keeping with CSU's mission of integrating faith in learning, leading, and serving, the Financial Aid Counselor - Athletics demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to helping students navigate the financial aid process with excellence and care.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of one year of experience in financial aid, admissions, or related student services preferred.
Knowledge of Title IV federal aid regulations, state financial aid programs, and NCAA financial aid compliance.
Excellent organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated collaboration across departments and ability to provide outstanding student service.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and accountability in all financial aid matters.
Alignment with the mission and values of Charleston Southern University, and dedication to integrating faith and learning in daily work.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with higher education student systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Slate, PoweFAIDS) preferred.

Responsibilities

Counsel student-athletes and parents on financial aid options, athletic scholarships, financial planning, debt management, and the federal Title IV refund policy, including implications of withdrawal or eligibility changes.
Serve as the primary liaison between Student Financial Services and Athletics, ensuring clear communication and accurate award management.
Maintain detailed and accurate records of athletic financial aid awards, renewals, and adjustments; calculate and process athletic scholarships, Max Free Aid, and related reporting.
Collaborate with Student Accounts and Compliance with billing, payments, refunds, payment plans, and account reconciliations for student-athletes.
Partner closely with Compliance to monitor fund balances and ensure full adherence to financial aid regulations, institutional policy, and federal guidelines.
Assist in developing, revising, and implementing financial aid policies and procedures specific to athletics; provide ongoing support and guidance to athletic staff.
Evaluate and process Special Circumstances requests in compliance with federal and institutional policies, maintaining appropriate documentation for audit and regulatory review.
Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling to student-athletes and families, including guidance on Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, state grants, and institutional aid.
Conduct federally required verification of student files in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education, state agencies, and university policy; resolve conflicting information promptly.
Host FAFSA completion workshops and other financial aid information sessions for student-athletes.
Represent Student Financial Services at campus events, orientations, and outreach activities to promote financial literacy and student engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission, goals, and strategic initiatives of Charleston Southern University.