Financial Aid Counselor
About The Position
The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment (FASE) at Cornell University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor II for its Need Analysis and Packaging team. This role is central to the university's mission of opportunity and affordability, providing financial resources to ensure access for students. The department works closely with various university offices to support Cornell's diverse student body. The Financial Aid Counselor II will evaluate aid applications, determine eligibility, package aid, and manage a caseload of student files. This position involves direct engagement with students and families to explain aid offers, eligibility, terms, and financial planning. The role requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of financial aid regulations and best practices, utilizing professional judgment, and contributing to team goals. This position is based in Ithaca, New York, and is eligible for remote work from anywhere in the United States, with options for in-person or hybrid arrangements also welcomed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years relevant experience working in a student financial aid/scholarships role or equivalent combination.
- Experience in a customer service or similar professional setting working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and perspectives.
- Knowledge of financial aid software systems, federal aid regulations, or institutional need analysis concepts.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to manage multiple assignments in a proactive manner.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and productively, think critically and exercise sound professional judgment, work efficiently within established timelines, set personal goals, and maximize personal performance.
- Must be self-motivated, well-organized, and attentive to details.
- Experience working effectively with moderately complex systems and business processes.
- Demonstrated desire and ability to continuously expand knowledge of technology/tools supporting effective business processes.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with the CSS Profile Application and Institutional Methodology (IM) need analysis.
- Experience using PeopleSoft, ImageNow, IDOC, or Workday.
- Fluency in English and a second language.
Responsibilities
- Evaluating aid application materials.
- Assigning estimated cost of attendance budgets.
- Performing accurate need analysis calculations.
- Making aid eligibility determinations.
- Packaging aid in compliance with all applicable rules and policies.
- Effectively managing an annual caseload of student files.
- Discussing personalized aid offers, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, adjustments, special or unusual circumstances, long-term financial success and student debt, Cornell payment options, how external resources are incorporated into aid offers, and addressing questions and concerns.
- Providing clear, accurate, and personalized support to help students and families navigate complex aid application processes, policies, and timelines.
- Engaging frequently with students and their families via in-person and virtual appointments, email, and other electronic communication channels.
- Providing focused and timely support as well as proactive outreach to ensure excellent student experiences.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge/skills/training, utilizing appropriate professional judgement, and supporting team-oriented goals.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care options
- Generous retirement contributions
- Access to wellness programs
- Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
- Health and personal leave
- Three weeks of vacation
- 13 holidays (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1)
- Two additional floating holidays
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
- Tuition aid for external education
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
