Financial Aid Counselor II

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment (FASE) is a central administrative student services department within the Division of Enrollment. Our overarching purpose is opportunity and affordability – we provide/coordinate financial resources which create access and opportunity in alignment with Cornell University’s motto and founding principle - any person, any study. The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment is dedicated to helping students navigate the complex financial aid and higher-education funding landscape – we work closely with the Office of the University Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions Office, the Office of the Bursar, academic Schools and Colleges, and many other University stakeholders to support Cornell’s diverse, world-class students and their success. The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment has a Financial Aid Counselor II position open on its Counseling and Outreach team. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Counseling and Outreach and collaborating closely with other members of the FASE team, FASE leadership, and colleagues across the Enrollment Division, Financial Aid Counselor II responsibilities include: utilizing specialized knowledge of core student service lifecycle concepts such as admissions, financial aid, registration and records, and student accounts to support students applying for and receiving financial aid. 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, phone, email, and other electronic communication channels. providing focused and timely support as well as proactive outreach to ensure excellent student experiences. 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 (such as outside scholarships) are incorporated into aid offers, and address complex questions and concerns. maintaining up-to-date knowledge/skills/training, including independently researching applicable policies, rules, and regulations, utilizing appropriate professional judgement, and supporting team-oriented goals. 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, and effectively managing an annual caseload of student files, including complex cases requiring additional expertise and experience. This position is a hybrid role based in Ithaca, NY.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years relevant experience working in a student financial aid/scholarships role.
• Knowledge of financial aid software systems, federal aid regulations, or institutional need analysis concepts.
• Experience in a customer service or similar professional setting serving individuals with socio-economically diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience working effectively with moderately complex systems and business processes.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to manage multiple assignments in a proactive manner.
• Be self-motivated, well-organized, and attentive to details.
• Proven ability to analyze requirements and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to continuously expand knowledge of technology/tools supporting effective business processes.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

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

• utilizing specialized knowledge of core student service lifecycle concepts such as admissions, financial aid, registration and records, and student accounts to support students applying for and receiving financial aid.
• 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, phone, email, and other electronic communication channels.
• providing focused and timely support as well as proactive outreach to ensure excellent student experiences.
• 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 (such as outside scholarships) are incorporated into aid offers, and address complex questions and concerns.
• maintaining up-to-date knowledge/skills/training, including independently researching applicable policies, rules, and regulations, utilizing appropriate professional judgement, and supporting team-oriented goals.
• 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, and effectively managing an annual caseload of student files, including complex cases requiring additional expertise and experience.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on-campus 2 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 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.
• To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees