Financial Aid Counselor/ Loan Specialist

Shenandoah University • Winchester, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Shenandoah University’s Office of Financial Aid is hiring a full-time, benefited Financial Aid Counselor/ Loan Specialist for its main campus in Winchester, Virginia. Reporting to the Director and/or Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the position counsels students and families and manages federal and private loan processing. It ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and provides service through in-person, virtual, phone, and email communications. The role collaborates with Student Financial Services, Admissions, Student Accounts, and other campus partners throughout the financial aid lifecycle.

The role advises students and families on financial aid eligibility, applications, loan options, and enrollment changes; determines and processes eligibility for aid programs; processes and reconciles loans; conducts Return to Title IV calculations; maintains accurate records; and supports compliance, reporting, outreach, and operational processes. Regular and predictable onsite attendance is required. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate clearly, empathetically, and professionally.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex processes accurately.
• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage high-volume workloads during peak processing periods.
• Proficiency in financial aid systems and Microsoft Office/Google Suite.
• Authorization to work in the United States is a precondition of employment; Shenandoah University is not currently able to sponsor international visas.
• A pre-employment background check is required; a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in financial aid, student services, or a related field.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and private financial aid regulations.
• Experience with Ellucian financial aid systems.

Responsibilities

• Advise students and families on financial aid eligibility, application processes, loan options, and the effects of enrollment changes.
• Meet with students and families in person, by phone, and virtually to address financial aid questions and concerns.
• Respond to inquiries by email and phone in a timely and professional manner.
• Determine and process eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs, including grants, loans, and specialized programs such as veteran’s benefits and tuition assistance.
• Review and process Professional Judgment requests, including cost of attendance adjustments.
• Support awarding of institutional and external aid programs, including scholarships and tuition exchange programs.
• Certify and reconcile federal Direct and private student loans, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review NSLDS records, monitor aggregate loan limits, and resolve loan-related flags such as C-Codes and transfer monitoring.
• Process loan adjustments and coordinate the return of federal and private funds when required.
• Assist with administration of Federal Nursing Loans, including coordination with loan servicers.
• Conduct Return to Title IV calculations for students who withdraw or change enrollment status.
• Provide and document required loan entrance and exit counseling in compliance with federal regulations.
• Maintain compliance with Title IV, state, and institutional regulations.
• Monitor regulatory updates and contribute to policy and procedure development.
• Maintain accurate student records and use financial aid systems and reporting tools.
• Run and review reports to support reconciliation, monitoring, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with campus partners to ensure accurate and timely financial aid processing.
• Participate in outreach initiatives, presentations, and training events for students and staff.
• Support special student circumstances and complex cases through team collaboration.
• Maintain regular and predictable onsite attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The position is described as benefited.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time