Financial Aid Counselor or Financial Aid Specialist

Job Description:Western Colorado University, a mid-size public university deep in the heart of the Rockies, is seeking customer service-oriented and dynamic applicants for full-time Counselor or Specialist positions in the Financial Aid Office.

These positions provide services to students, parents, and university staff and are IN PERSON (not remote).

Job Responsibilities for Counselors and Specialists:Provide counseling to prospective and current students and their families with accurate information regarding the application process, estimated financial aid eligibility including federal, state and institutional forms of aid; manage all aspect of student financial aid processes accurately and efficiently.Collect, review and evaluate student financial aid applications and financial aid forms. Verify documentation submitted meets federal, state and institutional policies.Review financial aid results with students and families and offer solutions.Formulate financial aid packages, perform needs analysis and certify loans.Outreach pro-actively and perform diligent follow-up on incomplete Financial Aid action items to complete their requirements within established deadlines, and financial aid options for paying account balances.Respond accurately to high levels of inbound calls and emails from prospective and current students and their families. Handle all inquiries with courtesy and professionalism.Participate in student recruitment events and activities.Contribute to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrate a commitment to the development of skills and practices to engage respectively across cultures and backgrounds.Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned by the Director and the Vice President. Financial Aid Specialist Additional Responsibilities:Provide training, mentorship, and leadership to entry-level Financial Aid Counselors and assist with day-to-day management of the counseling staff to ensure consistency in the packaging and implementation of all financial aid programs. Should possess advanced knowledge of federal Title IV regulations.Acts as the primary counselor to students in special programs such as the Rady Engineering Partnerships, Adult Degree Completion, Study Abroad and Tuition Assistance (service members) programs.Verify documentation and utilize professional judgment to evaluate changes in student/family circumstances that affect students’ financial aid offers.Resolve conflicts with students and parents on financial aid and student account issues.Primary certification specialist for private loans and AmeriCorps Educational awards.Manages Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals review process and the Exit Counseling program administered by the institution.

Minimum Qualifications:A bachelor’s degreeFinancial Aid Counselor position: One year of experience in customer service or professional office at a post-secondary institutionFinancial Aid Specialist position: 1-2 years of experience in Financial Aid or related field at a post-secondary institutionStrong organization, time management, and multi-tasking skillsHigh level of interpersonal communication skills- written and oral Ability to do highly detailed workAbility to work in a fast-paced and changing environment

Preferred Qualifications:Knowledge of management information systems in a higher education environmentWorking knowledge of Workday Student Information SystemAdvanced knowledge of federal and state regulations and policiesHigh level of supervisory and communication skills, both written and oralBilingual communication skills, verbal and/or printExperience communicating with diverse populations

Compensation: $42,000 - $47,000 annual salary rate dependent on experience and appointment as either Financial Aid Counselor or Financial Aid Specialist. These positions are FLSA exempt from overtime and are non-classified. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Start Date: May 1, 2024

What you need to apply: Required attachments for your application include: a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Official transcripts are required for employment.

Application review begins immediately and continues until positions are filled.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested ButteWestern Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community. K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap-around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus.

Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the University.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge. ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS