Financial Aid Scholarships Counselor

CSU Careers • Long Beach, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives. As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer. Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth. Watch to learn more Job Summary Under general supervision of the Assistant Director of Scholarships, the Financial Aid Scholarships Counselor coordinates the day-to-day administrative operations for a comprehensive decentralized scholarship program portfolio of institutional, CSU and external scholarships, across ten colleges and divisions. The Financial Aid Scholarships Counselor will counsel students and their families about scholarship funds and the overall financial aid and scholarship application process. In partnership with the Assistant Director of Scholarships and Director of Financial Aid, this position will develop policies and procedures related to scholarship application, awarding, and delivery process while ensuring compliance with scholarship program guidelines and federal financial aid regulations. Furthermore, the incumbent provides services that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to enhance the quality of campus life. This position uses a student-centered and equity-minded approach in all communication and service efforts.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field and two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas required.
• The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to independently prioritize, plan, and organize work in a fast‑paced environment while managing heavy workloads with accuracy and effective time management.
• They possess strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, enabling them to provide high‑quality programs and services to a diverse student population.
• This individual has advanced knowledge of scholarship administration, financial aid programs, policies, and regulations, including need analysis and EFC calculations, and is experienced in compiling, preparing, and reviewing reports.
• Proficiency with scholarship and financial aid systems such as Blackbaud Award Management, PeopleSoft, NSLDS, COD, WebGrants, and ELM is essential
• Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
• Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the administration of financial aid and scholarships programs, advising, and/or counseling is preferred.
• direct experience in a Financial Aid and/or Scholarships Office performing verification, awarding aid, or managing scholarship portfolios.
• The ideal candidate is customer‑focused, strategic, and proactive, applies sound judgment and innovative problem‑solving, and fosters strong teamwork by building trust, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead scholarship activities administered through the Beach Scholarships award management system.
• Provide student service and support in the form of counseling/advising directly to students, parents, and general public.
• Serve as Program Coordinator for various specialized scholarship programs, managing relationships with academic colleges, donors, university foundation, and other constituents.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees