Financial Aid Counselor

Bridgewater College • Bridgewater, VA

3d

About The Position

Bridgewater College is seeking a student-focused, service-oriented Financial Aid Counselor to help students and families navigate the financial aid process. The role combines one-on-one guidance with financial aid operations, helping students understand their options, complete required steps, and access resources to pursue a college education. The counselor works as part of a collaborative Financial Aid team and supports efficient office operations and a positive experience for students and families.

The position counsels prospective and current students and their families on financial aid, handles aid processing and correspondence, coordinates Federal Work-Study activities, and assists the Director and Associate Director with special projects and administrative initiatives. The high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor's degree is preferred. Familiarity with Ellucian Colleague and experience in higher education are preferred.

Bridgewater College is a coeducational liberal arts college founded in 1880 and located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The College has approximately 1,450 students from 27 states and 19 countries.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately with financial information and documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, including the ability to explain information clearly and work effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Positive, flexible approach to working with people and responding to individual circumstances.
• Results-oriented approach and ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Colleague preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Counsel prospective and current students and their families on the financial aid process, FAFSA completion, and available loan options.
• Respond clearly and promptly to financial aid questions and help resolve issues that may affect students' aid eligibility.
• Proactively contact student borrowers who may be at risk of loan default and explain repayment options and available resources.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid at admissions events, open houses, financial aid nights, and new student orientation.
• Complete FAFSA verification and assist students in resolving rejected FAFSA submissions.
• Package and award financial aid for incoming first-year and transfer students.
• Process, review, and certify private education loans.
• Organize documentation for Special Circumstances and Dependency Override appeals for review by the Director.
• Assist with awarding endowed scholarships.
• Manage incoming financial aid correspondence by mail, email, and voicemail; accurately index documents and route them to appropriate team members.
• Coordinate placements for students in off-campus Federal Work-Study positions.
• Monitor and reconcile Federal Work-Study earnings for on-campus and off-campus students.
• Help ensure work-study records and processes are accurate and up to date.
• Assist the Director and Associate Director with special projects, reports, and administrative initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support efficient office operations and a positive experience for students and families.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans and a 403(b) retirement program.
• Generous paid time off, in addition to several paid holidays.
• Full tuition benefits for eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED