Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

The George Mason University Office of Student Financial Aid invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time Financial Aid Counselor position.

In addition to a first-class culture at Virginia’s largest Public University, this position offers:

• While some remote work may be considered, this position will also require on-campus presence as well;
• Competitive salary;
• Outstanding benefits including:
• Health & life insurance, multiple industry leading retirement plans available including state VRS Hybrid Retirement Plan, accrued paid days off per year, paid holidays, paid winter break, paid sick leave, professional development, tuition reimbursement at GMU, and employee assistance programs.

George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the University:

George Mason University, the largest public research university in Virginia, is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Since earning R1 designation for “very high research” from Carnegie in 2016 and joining the elite group of the 131 best U.S. research institutions, the research enterprise has grown rapidly, reaching more than $200 million in funding in 2020, an all-time high for the university.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200-degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity, is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

About the Position: The Financial Aid Counselor will provide financial aid advising, participation in an extensive outreach program, financial aid data review, verification, awarding and adjusting awards of student financial aid files, and responsible for a specific student financial aid program/office function.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: financial aid advising, participating in an extensive outreach program and financial aid data review.

Daily duties involve the following:

• Providing outstanding customer service while demonstrating patience and understanding to students and families who are seeking and/or receiving financial aid;
• Advising students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, educational costs, and financial management strategies, including debt management and financial planning;
• Counseling students and parents regarding financing an education at the university (heavy contact with students and families via e-mail, phone and in-person);
• Managing a student caseload and reviewing student applications for accuracy to determine financial need and award aid in accordance with applicable federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations;
• Calculating student award packages utilizing various software programs and federal, state and university resources, including gift aid and self-help; maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations and the internal policies and procedures of the university, and monitoring and verifying information with required documents;
• Processing applications and corrections, need analysis, document tracking and evaluation of those documents; verifying accuracy of documents and consistency of financial aid data, federal tax transcripts, financial aid verification documents and student information, and generating award notifications or denying aid if ineligible; and
• Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends, and must be available for presentations and outreach events with little notice.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent combination of related education and experience;
• Must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of federal student aid rules and regulations;
• Excellent verbal, written and oral communication skills;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, collaborative and computer software skills; and
• Must have a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and a willingness to adapt to change and take on new challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Ellucian Banner financial aid software;
• Possess a strong desire to provide the highest level of service to students and their families, have an energetic and positive approach to work, and be a team player;
• Experience with Salesforce case management software;
• Experience with using a call center software phone system;
• Candidates should possess strong communication skills; and
• Spanish speaking a plus.

George Mason University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans.

Compensation: Salary starting at $50,000 or higher commensurate with education and experience, in addition to excellent administrative faculty benefits.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Equity Statement: 

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.