Financial Aid Counselor

George Fox University•Newberg, OR

17d•Onsite

About The Position

George Fox University's Financial Aid office is looking for a highly motivated individual to join their team and serve as a Financial Aid Counselor. They are an innovative team, seeking to financially equip students to pursue their college career. George Fox graduates make a big impact in our world. Come help make that possible! About the Job: Do you enjoy helping people, accomplishing tasks and goals proactively, and have the curiosity to propel your growth? As a Financial Aid Counselor, you will join a team of people that care deeply for the work we do, the people we serve and the opportunity to continually grow and learn. You will equip students and their families with the knowledge needed to navigate the financial aid process while helping them understand the value of a George Fox education. We help students to pursue their dreams and callings by building relationships and creatively tackling the financial obstacles together. Our goal is not just to get students here but to see them through to graduation. The ideal candidate will believe in the value of a George Fox education and understand the power of financial aid to make a college education possible. They will be able to display compassion and use their own experience and story to connect and encourage students through this process. Join a team where you will not only deliver the Be Known promise, but experience it yourself. A day in the life of this position: A Financial Aid Counselor has both routine and variation to the needs of each day. The department's mission is to financially equip students to continuously choose George Fox. The Financial Aid team interacts with students, federal and personal financial information, unique family circumstances to provide information, financial aid, and resources to pay for college. They also work closely with Admissions, Student Accounts, and the Registrar's offices on wider goals such as incoming student deposits and continuing student retention which are the fuel in fulfilling our university's mission. The daily work involves student communication (written, verbal, video), processing documentation, evaluating changes to student financial circumstances, awarding scholarships, and delivering the Be Known promise.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.
1+ year of related work experience.
Specific financial aid experience is not required.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to deal with the public and campus community in a helpful and courteous manner; ability to obtain and use information with tact and discretion.
Exceptional customer service, creative problem solving, initiative, proactivity, and attention to detail.
Ability to connect with future students/families and a willingness to collaborate with other departments within George Fox.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to present to groups of various sizes both in-person and webinar formats.
Legal authorization to work in the United States. This position does not offer visa sponsorship; therefore, only applicants who do not require sponsorship for employment visas, now or at any point in the future, should apply.
A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity .
A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church. In addition, employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Nice To Haves

Communicating effectively in English and Spanish
Excel and/or Google Sheets

Responsibilities

Communicating the value of a George Fox Education to students and parents.
Working with incoming and continuing students across all student populations (undergraduate, adult degree, graduate) in person, by phone, via Zoom, or in writing regarding financial aid programs and eligibility.
Assisting in the preparation and presentation of information regarding federal financial aid, scholarships, employment and grants during various campus events.
Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
Maintaining compliance to federal and state regulations, providing input to office policy and procedure decisions, and working with departments such as Admissions, Student Accounts, and the Registrar's Office to meet University goals.
Tracking and processing related paperwork such as verifications, professional judgments, external scholarships, and loan applications while maintaining accurate records.
Reviewing applications for and award donor-funded scholarships, financial aid academic appeals, professional judgments and financial aid appeals.
Analyzing student FAFSAs, admissions, and awarding information to maximize student's aid.
Within the parameters of federal and institutional regulations and guidelines, determine awards and monitor student financial aid eligibility to move students efficiently through the financial aid process and creatively find financial aid resources for all students.
Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience working cross culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
Other duties as assigned.