Financial Aid Student Services Counselor - Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

1d • $45,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Financial Aid Student Services Counselor position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improving the recruitment and graduation of our students. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been ranked by Forbes as one of America’s best large employers, as recognized on the 2025 list. The minimum starting salary for this position is $45,000. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility. This position will be part of the centralized team within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships that will be independently responsible for awarding federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships and ensuring that these awards meet all applicable regulations. The counselor is expected to have a high level of technical knowledge and expertise in federal and state regulations and will make independent judgments and decisions. The position will serve as an advanced level of support to students and families who have in-depth questions or issues regarding their financial aid eligibility or financing their education. The incumbent will serve as expert level assistance for students who are referred from the One Stop. This position will assist in the development, implementation, and administration of Federal, State and University financial aid programs.

Requirements

• High School diploma and 5 years of experience in higher education, customer service or related finance field, or Associate degree and 3 years of experience in higher education, customer service or related finance field, or Bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience in higher education, customer service or related finance field.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely using effectual writing skills.
• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, and ability to make and be responsible for independent decisions.
• Ability to work under time constraints.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree and 1 year of financial aid experience.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (or similar).
• Ellucian Banner, OnBase, and/or TeamDynamix experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• awarding federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships and ensuring that these awards meet all applicable regulations
• making independent judgments and decisions
• serve as an advanced level of support to students and families who have in-depth questions or issues regarding their financial aid eligibility or financing their education
• serve as expert level assistance for students who are referred from the One Stop
• assist in the development, implementation, and administration of Federal, State and University financial aid programs

Benefits

• Generous paid leave , accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days
• Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members
• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

What This Job Offers

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